A black bear leaps off a log and into the cool water of a beaver pond today at Bandelier National Monument, view NPS Video. It’s been a warm week here at Bandelier and bears utilize water as they hunt for fish, snack on growing vegetation, or to cool off. As essential parts of the ecosystem, beaver ponds are great places to see all kinds of animals passing through. Interested in learning more about bears? This Saturday, Aug. 24, the Pajarito Environmental Education Center (PEEC) is hosting its annual Bear Festival at the Los Alamos Nature Center. There will be booths, games and other fun resources providing information on coexisting with black bear neighbors and other wildlife in Northern New Mexico. Bandelier and Valles Caldera National Preserve will be hosting a booth 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. with educational resources and fun activities for learning all about bears. Courtesy/BNM

The black bear about to leap into the cool water of a beaver pond today at Bandelier National Monument. Courtesy/BNM