New Mexico wildlife warns residents to secure food as bears roam
Warm weather has bears on the move in Los Alamos, and wildlife officials say trash, birdseed, pet food and open garages are turning homes into easy stops.
New Mexico wildlife officials warned residents to secure garbage, pet food and birdseed as bears moved through several parts of the state in warm weather.
In Los Alamos County, the risk is sharpened by canyon, forest and edge-of-town neighborhoods from White Rock to the Bandelier area, where black bears are part of the New Mexico black bear population found in New Mexico and nearby states. Trash should go out as late as possible rather than overnight, pet food should come indoors, bird feeders should be taken down or limited to one day’s seed, fallen fruit should be picked up, grills cleaned and compost and wood piles kept away from the house. Open garages and coolers left outside can draw a bear in.
The same advice applies on the trail and at camp, where food smells can carry farther than many people expect. Keep a clean camp, store coolers in a vehicle or trailer, cook away from sleeping areas and keep soap and toothpaste away from tents. Hike in groups, keep children and pets close, and make noise while moving through the woods. If a bear appears, do not run. Make yourself look big, wave your arms and back away slowly. Never get between a mother bear and cubs, and if a bear attacks, fight back aggressively.
The county proclaimed August as Bear Month in 2022, 2024 and 2025, and Operation Save the Bears was a $2.4 million push to deploy bear-resistant dumpsters and roll carts. County Environmental Services said bear-resistant roll carts were in high demand in early July 2026, with the existing supply expected to run out within a week and new carts 1 to 2 months away.
Residents who see troubling bear behavior should contact New Mexico Department of Game and Fish officer Ariel Perraglio at 505-412-8796.
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