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New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Public contact, Information Center: (888) 248-6866 Media contact: Lance Cherry: (505) 476-8003 lance.cherry@state.nm.us FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, JUNE 19, 2016: Bear responsible for attack on Valles Caldera marathon runner caught; euthanized JEMEZ – New Mexico Department of Game and Fish conservation officers tracked and killed an adult female black bear that attacked a woman Saturday afternoon while she was participating in a marathon event on the Valles Caldera National Preserve near Los Alamos. The bear is to be transported to the state Veterinary Diagnostic Services center for necropsy. State law requires any wild animal that attacks or bites a human be euthanized and tested for rabies which is spread when an infected animal scratches or bites another animal or human. Although it is rare, rabies is nearly 100 percent fatal if not properly treated. “It is regrettable when a wildlife encounter results in human [...]

New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Public contact, Information Center: (888) 248-6866 Media contact: Lance Cherry: (505) 476-8003 lance.cherry@state.nm.us FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, JUNE 19, 2016: Bear sought in attack on Valles Caldera marathon runner JEMEZ – Department of Game and Fish officers are searching for an adult female black bear that attacked a woman Saturday afternoon while she was participating in a marathon event on the Valles Calderas National Preserve near Los Alamos. According to responding officers, the attack occurred when the victim surprised a mother bear whose cub ran up a nearby tree. Although the full extent of the victim’s injuries are unknown, initial reports indicate that woman was bit and scratched multiple times and sustained non-life threatening injuries to her upper body, head and neck. Nearby joggers provided immediate assistance until additional help could arrive. She was airlifted to an Albuquerque area hospital where she is being [...]

New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Public contact, Information Center: (888) 248-6866 Media contact: Karl Moffatt: (505) 476-8007 karl.moffatt@state.nm.us FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, June 16, 2016: Six new game wardens graduate from law enforcement academy SANTA FE – Six New Mexico Department of Game and Fish game wardens graduated from the Southeastern New Mexico Law Enforcement Academy in Hobbs Wednesday. “This team of new officers have accomplished something special, something the entire department is proud of,” Department Director Alexandra Sandoval said. “Each officer demonstrated the high standard of professionalism, integrity and honor that defines a New Mexico Conservation Officer.” The department’s graduates of the 16-week law enforcement training academy are: David Davis Carla Jo Ehlinger Justin Heppler Jacob Lobato Tyler Twitchell Two officers from this year’s graduating class had noteworthy accomplishments. David Davis graduated at the top of his class of 21 by scoring a total of 96.6 out of [...]