ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — New Mexico wildlife officials are reminding residents to stay alert as bear activity increases heading into the summer season.
The New Mexico Department of Wildlife says bears are generally afraid of people and tend to avoid human contact. However, that behavior can change when bears become used to human food sources, such as unsecured garbage, pet food, or leftovers at campsites.
Officials say those situations can raise the risk of encounters in both outdoor areas and residential neighborhoods. Bears that associate people with food may become more persistent and, in some cases, more defensive.
As Memorial Day weekend approaches and more people head outdoors, wildlife officials say proper precautions are especially important. That includes storing food securely, keeping campsites clean, and staying aware while hiking or camping.
In communities where bears are common, officials say unsecured trash is one of the main factors drawing animals into neighborhoods.
Wildlife experts say most human-bear encounters can be avoided with proper food storage and awareness.
