Mama black bear with her cub. Courtesy photo

COUNTY News:

With bear activity in the community, residents should be aware of when and how to safely scare a bear.

YES — If the bear is anywhere it should not be: eating garbage, bird seed or pet food; near a vehicle, building, chicken coop or garden. 

NO — If hazing the bear would chase it into people, dogs, a busy road or another unsafe situation. 

NO — If the bear is in a natural area where bears belong. 

NO — If the bear is running away or up a tree. 

NO — If the bear is a cub. You could easily injure the cub and cause the mother to react defensively. 

Safe Ways to Scare a Bear 

• Assert Your Dominance – Make eye contact and wave your arms above your head to look bigger. 
• Make Noise – Blow a whistle, air horn or car horn. Clap your hands. Bang pots. Yell, shout, talk loudly…Do NOT use firearms. 
• Use Motion-Activated Lights, Alarms and/or Sprinklers 

Hazing Rules 

1. Never approach, corner or chase the bear. 
2. Stand in a safe place (bring kids and dogs inside). 
3. Be sure the bear has an escape route, away from you. 
4. Stop hazing when the bear runs away or climbs a tree. 
5. If the bear approaches, do not run. Use bear spray. 
6. BE CAREFUL. Any hazing is done at your own risk. 

When to Call the New Mexico Dept. of Wildlife 

• The bear is highly agitated, sickly or injured. 
• The bear is approaching people. 
• The bear does not leave after hazing. 
• If the situation becomes an emergent threat to human life, call 9-1-1