Black Bear mama and baby searching for food in the spring in the Jemez Mountains. Courtesy/Leslie E. Bucklin

COUNTY News:

As spring returns to the Jemez Mountains, black bears are becoming more active throughout Los Alamos County. It’s an important time for residents and visitors alike to stay aware, take precautions, and understand how to safely coexist with Black Bears in the community.

Spring Behavior: Why You’re Seeing More Bears

After months of hibernation, black bears emerge in the spring hungry and focused on finding food. Natural food sources are still limited this time of year, which often leads bears to explore neighborhoods, commercial areas, parks and trails in search of easy meals. This can include unsecured trash, pet food, bird feeders, open dumpsters, and even open garages or patio doors.

Young bears may also be dispersing from their mothers and learning to navigate the environment on their own, often leading to more frequent sightings and unpredictable behavior.

Preventing Bear Encounters at Home

The most effective way to reduce bear encounters is to eliminate attractants:

• Secure trash in bear-resistant roll carts and only set them out on the morning of pickup.
• Never leave pet food, garbage, or coolers outside.
• Clean grills thoroughly after use.
• Remove or secure bird feeders during bear season. Pull feeders in at night.
• Keep garage doors closed and windows locked on ground levels when possible.

Los Alamos County offers bear-resistant roll carts to help residents secure their trash and prevent wildlife from accessing it. These carts are a critical tool in reducing human-bear conflicts and protecting both people and wildlife. If you don’t already have one, consider making the switch. Visit lacnm.com/bearcart to request one today!

Preventing Bear Encounters on the Trails

Whether you’re hiking, running, or walking your dog, it’s important to be bear aware:

• Make noise while on the trail to avoid surprising a bear.
• Travel in groups when possible.
• Keep dogs on a leash—loose pets can provoke or lead bears back to you.
• Watch for signs like tracks, scat, or disturbed vegetation.
• Avoid hiking at dawn or dusk, when bears are most active.

If you come across a bear in your neighborhood or on a trail:

• Stay calm—do not run.
• Make yourself look larger and speak in a firm, loud voice.
• Slowly back away while keeping your eyes on the bear.
• Give the bear plenty of space and an escape route.
• Do not approach or attempt to feed the bear.
• If the bear approaches, stand your ground and continue making noise.
• In the rare case of an attack, fight back.

Report concerning bear behavior to the local New Mexico Dept. of Game & Fish Officer, Ariel Perraglio at 505.412.8796, so she can monitor activity and respond if needed.

Bears are a natural and important part of the ecosystem in Los Alamos County. Taking simple precautions and staying bear aware can reduce conflicts and help keep both the community and local wildlife safe.

Help keep wildlife wild! Learn more about the animals of the Pajarito Plateau at www.lacnm.com/wildlife.