NMDGF Conservation News
The latest conservation news and press releases from New Mexico Game and Fish. Department-wide news can be found under Home → NMDGF News.
Picky Chipmunks
Following is a selected project highlight from the Share with Wildlife mission to assist all New Mexico wildlife in need, no matter what species. Peñasco least chipmunk. (Jim Stuart) How do you survey for a rare small mammal that looks very similar to another species found in the same area, especially when you aren’t exactly sure what kind of habitat it uses? This is the conundrum facing Dr. Jennifer Frey and her graduate student, Fiona McKibben, at New Mexico State University when it comes to their studies of the Peñasco least chipmunk. Chipmunk survey area in the distance. (Ginny Seamster) Potential suitable habitat for the chipmunk. (G. Seamster) Until 2016, this chipmunk species had not been documented in New Mexico since 2000. Given that it is a candidate for federal Endangered Species Act listing, it [...]
Outdoor Adventures Hunting and Fishing Show this weekend in Albuquerque
New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Public contact, Information Center: (888) 248-6866 Media contact, Tristanna Bickford: (505) 476-8027 tristanna.bickford@state.nm.us FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, FEB. 12, 2019: Outdoor Adventures Hunting and Fishing Show this weekend in Albuquerque SANTA FE – The annual New Mexico Outdoor Adventures Hunting and Fishing Show opens at noon Friday, Feb.15 and continues through Sunday, Feb. 17, in the Manuel Lujan Building at the state fairgrounds in Albuquerque. The event is bigger and better than ever with new exhibits and hands-on activities hosted by the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish. New this year will be a free 'catch and release' pond located in the red barn. Try your luck catching a tagged fish to win a prize sponsored by a vendor. At the start of each day’s show, the first 15 people to catch a tagged fish will win a prize from one of the [...]
A New Cooter Location
Following is a selected project highlight from the Share with Wildlife mission to assist all New Mexico wildlife in need, no matter what species. The Black River. (Ginny Seamster) The Western River Cooter is species of turtle that is of particular interest to the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish. Very little is known about where it is found, what kind of habitat it needs at different life stages, and how it is doing in New Mexico. It is currently undergoing review by US Fish and Wildlife Service to determine whether it should be listed under the Endangered Species Act. Thus, time is of the essence in terms of answering some fundamental questions about this species and its status. Western River Cooter hatchling. (Ginny Seamster) Turtle x-ray. (Ginny Seamster) Dr. Ivana Mali and students [...]
Fox bites homeowner, tests positive for rabies
New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Public contact, Information Center: (888) 248-6866 Media contact, Tristanna Bickford: (505) 476-8027 tristanna.bickford@state.nm.us New Mexico Department of Health Media Contact, Paul Rhien: (505) 470-2290 paul.rhien@state.nm.us FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, JAN. 29,2019: Fox bites homeowner, tests positive for rabies LAS VEGAS – On Saturday, Conservation Officer Justin Hepler responded to a call from a Las Vegas homeowner who was bitten by a fox she believed was starving when she attempted to feed it. After meeting with the bite victim at a local hospital, the officer learned the fox had jumped into a parked vehicle and began eating insulation on the door and chewing on a hammer handle. The homeowner admitted to offering the fox a bowl of dog food when it bit her on the wrist and hand, leaving several puncture wounds on both arms. Once on the scene, the officer was able to locate [...]
Desert Willow Wildlife Rehabilitation Center in Carlsbad
Following is a selected project highlight from the Share with Wildlife mission to assist all New Mexico wildlife in need, no matter what species. Flight pen at the Center. (Ginny Seamster) Do you live in southeastern New Mexico? Do you want to know what you can do if you find a bird or other animal that appears to be sick or injured? If you live in the Carlsbad area or Chaves, Eddy, Lea, Lincoln, or Otero Counties, then the Desert Willow Wildlife Rehabilitation Center is the place to call to get your questions about injured or orphaned wildlife answered and the place to bring these animals if Center staff so advises. The Center is located at 512 Fiesta Drive in Carlsbad and has highly skilled staff and enclosures for housing a diversity of wildlife while they are being rehabilitated. The Center is in the process of expanding their [...]