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News2026-08-18T08:54:20-06:00

NMDOW News

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Attention New Mexico Bear Hunters – Aug 28 – Zone 9 is Closed

Bear Management Zone 9 is closed effective Aug. 28, 2026, as the harvest limit has been reached. Please refer to the chart below for the most current harvest reports and zone status. Bear: Zone 9, 12 are closed. Zones 1, 2, 8, 10 and 14 will open Sept. 1. Please remember: Before hunting, hunters must verify the zone is open by checking the Department website or calling the Bear and Cougar Closure and Harvest Hotline at 877-950-5466.

Aug 28, 2026|

New Mexico Department of Wildlife Requests Public Comments on its Draft 2026 Biennial Review Document

The New Mexico Department of Wildlife requests public comments on its Draft 2026 Biennial Review of Threatened and Endangered Wildlife Species listed under the Wildlife Conservation Act (Section 17-2-40 NMSA 1978). Comments on the draft document will be accepted until September 18, 2026. Staff biologists have reviewed the current status of all State-listed wildlife species and have updated species accounts to include information and literature that has accrued since publication of the 2024 Biennial Review. No change in the status of any listed species’ is recommended at this time. All public comments received during the open period will be kept in a repository file at the Department’s Santa Fe headquarters. Public comments and final recommendations will be presented to the State Game Commission at its November 13, 2026, meeting. The Draft 2026 Biennial Review document can be viewed on the Department’s website, https://wildlife.dgf.nm.gov/conservation/wildlife-species-information/threatened-and-endangered-species/. Comments should be emailed to the Department’s [...]

Aug 24, 2026|

Conservation officers investigating bear incident near Red River

RED RIVER, N.M. — A man sustained non-life-threatening injuries Friday morning after being bitten by a bear while camping. Department of Wildlife conservation officers are currently on the scene investigating the incident and securing the area. The investigation is active and ongoing, and more information will be released to the public as it becomes available. In light of this incident, the Department is issuing an urgent reminder to all residents and visitors to be "bear aware" while recreating in or near wildlife habitats. Encounters can happen unexpectedly, and knowing how to react is critical for public safety. If you plan to camp in bear country, please follow these safety guidelines: Fragrant items attract bears. Toothpaste, insect repellents, soap, candy bars and other fragrant items can attract bears and should be securely stored away from sleeping areas. Cooking odors attract bears. If possible, cooking areas should be at least 100 yards [...]

Aug 21, 2026|

Conservation officers investigating bear incident near Cedar Crest

CEDAR CREST, N.M. — A man sustained non-life-threatening injuries Wednesday morning after being bitten by a bear while walking his dogs in the Cedar Crest area.Department of Wildlife conservation officers are currently on the scene investigating the incident and securing the area. The investigation is active and ongoing, and more information will be released to the public as it becomes available.In light of this incident, the Department is issuing an urgent reminder to all residents and visitors to be "bear aware" while recreating in or near wildlife habitats. Encounters can happen unexpectedly, and knowing how to react is critical for public safety.If you encounter a bear, please follow these safety guidelines:Remain calm and leave the area. Do not panic or make sudden movements.Back away slowly. Stop and back away while keeping your eyes on the bear. Do not run, as running can trigger a bear's natural instinct to chase and [...]

Aug 12, 2026|
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