Hometown News

As bear sightings become more common in New Mexico neighborhoods, the state’s Department of Wildlife is offering tips on how to stop the animals from spending time in your yard.

The department said low availability of seasonal mast crops such as nuts, seeds, fruits and berries that bears rely on has led to increased bear activity and movements into areas where people live and recreate.

Homeowners in bear country are encouraged to take the following steps to keep themselves, their property and their pets safe:

• Fruit trees: Plant fruit trees away from your house. Fruit should be picked as it ripens. Spoiled fruit that falls to the ground should be removed, because it will attract bears.
• Woodpiles: Keep woodpiles away from the house. It attracts rodents, which bears eat.
• Compost piles: Keep piles away from the house. Do not add melon rinds or other fragrant fruits.
• Beehives and chicken pens: Livestock and beehives should be kept away from your house.

There are several safety measures that the public can take in order to keep themselves safe and prevent potentially dangerous encounters with bears:

• Never feed or approach bears. Feeding bears (intentionally or unintentionally) trains them to approach homes and people for more food. Bears will defend themselves if a person gets too close, so don’t risk your safety and theirs!
• Secure food, garbage and recycling. Food and food odors attract bears so don’t reward them with easily available food or garbage.
• Remove bird feeders when bears are active. Birdseed and other grains have a high caloric content, making them very attractive to bears. The best way to avoid conflicts with bears is to remove feeders.
• Never leave pet food outside. Feed outdoor pets portion sizes that will be completely eaten during each meal and then remove leftover food and food bowls. Securely store these foods so nothing is available to bears.
• Clean and store grills. After you use an outdoor grill, clean it thoroughly and make sure that all grease and fat are removed. Store cleaned grills and smokers in a secure area that keeps bears out.
• Let neighbors know. Share with your friends and neighbors news about recent bear activity and how to avoid bear conflicts. Bears have adapted to living near people. Are you willing to adapt to living near bears?

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