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.
Officers investigate bear attack in Cloudcroft
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, July 20, 2018: Officers investigate bear attack in Cloudcroft Alamogordo – New Mexico Department of Game and Fish conservation officers are investigating the scene of a predatory bear attack that occurred early Friday morning. A Cloudcroft resident, age 70, admitted to feeding wildlife with cracked corn at his residence. He also told officers that a minimum of four bears have routinely been coming into the residence. Department officers identified several bowls of pet food with residual amounts of dog or cat food near the house as well as bear prints on the windows and scratch marks on the porch. The home owner sustained multiple injuries including puncture wounds to the arm and scratches on the leg, his wife drove him to a hospital in Alamogordo, where he [...]
Evaluating Otter Reintroduction Success
Following is a selected project highlight from the Share with Wildlife mission to assist all New Mexico wildlife in need, no matter what species. Rio Grande near otter latrine. (Ginny Seamster) --- Inset: River otter. (Brian Long) Did you know that we have North American river otters in New Mexico? This charismatic mammal was reintroduced to our state from 2008-2010. A big question for this species is whether this reintroduction was successful. We know that otters have spread throughout the northern Rio Grande basin. However, there are many specifics that we are missing. How many otters do we have? Are the different New Mexico otter populations all connected or are otters having a hard time moving around the state? Are the otter populations genetically healthy? Using funds from the Share with Wildlife program, and other sources, Dr. John Cox and his team at the University of Kentucky are [...]
Department of Game and Fish reminds public to leave young wildlife alone
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, JULY 6, 2017: Department of Game and Fish reminds public to leave young wildlife alone SANTA FE – As we head into summer, the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish again reminds the public to leave alone any deer or antelope fawns, elk calves, bear cubs or other wild animals they may find. Please remember – young wildlife that people discover are simply hiding while awaiting their parents’ return from foraging nearby. Removing these young animals can cost them their lives, Orrin Duvuvuei, department deer and pronghorn biologist, warned. “You might think it has been abandoned, but in reality, the mother is typically a few hundred yards away,” Duvuvuei said. “In most cases, the best thing to do is just leave it alone and quietly leave [...]
Department cautions campers be aware increased bear activity Jemez Mountains
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, May 25, 2018: Department cautions campers to be aware of increased bear activity in the Jemez Mountains JEMEZ – Due to multiple sightings of bear cubs by campers in the area of Forest Road 376 in the Jemez Mountains, recreationists are reminded to keep a clean camp and be bear aware during the long weekend. According to Tristanna Bickford, communications director, “some may view this as a unique opportunity to view young wildlife; however, it is very important for people to not attempt to approach these bears for any reason and to maintain a safe distance.” The department strongly urges you to avoid getting between the mother and her cubs. Bickford continues, “Always be aware that the mother is likely in the area. Approaching wildlife is [...]
Public reminded to leave young wildlife alone
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, May 21, 2018: Public reminded to leave young wildlife alone SANTA FE – Spring in New Mexico is an exciting time for wildlife. This is the time of year when most babies are born. The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish reminds the public to leave alone any deer or antelope fawns, elk calves, bear cubs or other wild animals they may find. Most young-of-the-year wildlife that people discover are simply hiding while awaiting their parents’ return from foraging nearby. Removing these young animals can cost them their lives, Orrin Duvuvuei, department deer and pronghorn biologist, warned. “For about a week after birth, young wildlife exhibit hiding behaviors to avoid detection and increase their chance for survival. You might think it has been abandoned, but [...]