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 [...]
Human food sources a driver of bear encounters
Attractants such as trash, other food sources draw bears into populated areas SANTA FE — The New Mexico Department of Wildlife is warning the public that unsecured food sources such as garbage and fallen or rotten fruit are drawing bears into populated areas during severe drought conditions, leading bears to become accustomed to these food sources and increasing the likelihood of encounters, unsuccessful relocation efforts and possibly the death of these animals. There [...]
Decades of work keeps Rio Grande cutthroat trout off Endangered Species List
By Bryan Ferguson Rio Grande Cutthroat Trout Biologist Decades of dedicated conservation work by the New Mexico Department of Wildlife and its partners have secured a bright future for the Rio Grande cutthroat trout (RGCT). This collaborative effort culminated in the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s recent decision that the species does not warrant protection under the Endangered Species Act, affirming its long-term stability throughout its range. The Rio Grande cutthroat trout, New [...]
New Mexico Birding Big Year Contest
Jan. 1 – Dec. 31, 2026 Join birders across the Land of Enchantment for the 2026 New Mexico Birding Big Year! This year-long competition challenges participants to identify as many bird species as possible within the state between Jan. 1 and Dec. 31. Open to birders of all ages and skill levels, the contest promotes wildlife appreciation, conservation awareness and community among New Mexico’s birding enthusiasts. June Quarterly Update NM Birding Big [...]
Beer Battered Walleye
By Dela Joyner As summer winds down and the crisp air of fall sets in, it’s the perfect time to make the most of your summer catch. This Beer Battered Walleye recipe from The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish brings just the right amount of spice to the table. With only a few simple ingredients; fresh walleye from one of our state’s renowned fisheries, and a side of good company, you’ll have [...]
Why YY?
Stocking YY brook trout in the Rio Bonito requires Department staff to hike through Lincoln National Forest with a bucket of fish. By Melissa Garnett Fish don’t usually hike up mountains, but on the backs of conservation officers and fish biologists from the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish, they travel to picturesque habitat upstream of Bonito Lake near Ruidoso. These YY brook trout – so named because they have two Y chromosomes [...]