Research and dens and bears, oh my!
During the final weeks of winter, before the snow melts and a gradual rise in temperature signals a transition into spring, New Mexico Department of Game and Fish biologists take a calculated risk in the name of science to peek their heads inside bear dens. What they hope to find in these temporary yet carefully manicured shelters is a hibernating American black bear (Ursus americanus). The Department conducts these late-winter den checks to gather [...]
The Elusive Pacific Marten in New Mexico
In the high–elevation forests of Northern New Mexico is an elusive and little-known member of the weasel family, the Pacific marten (Martes caurina). The Pacific marten is classified as a Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN) in New Mexico. This designation is given to species because of various dynamics such as vulnerability (learn more here: https://nmswap.org/species). Pacific martens are found in Canada, the Pacific Northwest, the Rocky Mountains, the Sierra Nevadas and at the southernmost part of their range, New Mexico. Limited data exists [...]
Department, partners help Rio Grande cutthroat trout go home to the Gorge
Once a year, starting in 2008, Rio Grande cutthroat trout fingerlings (young fish about the length of a finger) embark on an expedition, trekking all the way down to the Rio Grande Gorge. I know what you’re thinking – no, they didn’t grow a pair of legs. Instead, they received a little help from their friends: New Mexicans who passionately believe in conservation. These participants carry a bag, or maybe two, filled [...]
Decades of work keeps Rio Grande cutthroat trout off Endangered Species List
Decades of work keeps Rio Grande cutthroat trout off Endangered Species List Decades of dedicated conservation work by the Department 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 Mexico’s [...]
Help Keep New Mexico Beautiful!
You’re enjoying the outdoors and suddenly you see someone trying to pet Marty Moose... A pack of ATVs flies by across a pristine meadow... Another duck hunter shows up late and sets up right next to you... A pile of litter is dumped in the desert and Walter White has to clean it up! You have probably seen some interesting – and disappointing – things if you’ve spent time outdoors in New Mexico. [...]
El Departamento trabaja para salvar nuestras especies
Durante más de 120 años, el Departamento de Caza y Pesca (DGF, por sus siglas en inglés) de Nuevo México ha trabajado incansablemente para gestionar la diversa vida silvestre de nuestro estado. Nuestro trabajo con las especies cinegéticas (cualquier animal que es cazado, pescado o atrapado) siempre atrae la atención. ¡Pero haría el oso si pensara que gestionar especies cinegéticas es todo lo que hacemos! Ese es sólo un aspecto de nuestro objetivo de [...]