Bobcat. Courtesy/LAC

COUNTY News:

Living in Los Alamos County means sharing our beautiful landscapes with a wide range of wildlife. While encounters with animals like bears, mountain lions, bobcats, coyotes, deer, and rattlesnakes are relatively uncommon, they do happen—especially along trails and open spaces. Understanding the risks and practicing smart habits can help keep you, your pets, and wildlife safe.

Wild animals are not naturally aggressive toward humans, but they may react defensively if surprised, protecting young, or seeking food. Off-leash pets are one of the most common causes of conflict. Dogs may chase or provoke wildlife, then run back to their owner—bringing a potentially dangerous animal with them. Even deer can become aggressive if they feel threatened. Rattlesnakes are another concern on local trails, particularly in the coming warmer months. They rely on camouflage and may not be seen until you’re very close.

Black bear/LAC

Know Before You Go: Wildlife Habits

• • • • • • Bears & Coyotes: Most active at dawn and dusk; attracted to food and trash.
          • Mountain Lions & Bobcats: Elusive but may follow prey (including small pets).
          • Deer: Generally calm but can become aggressive when threatened or protecting fawns.
          • Rattlesnakes: Prefer warm, rocky areas and are most active in the spring and summer months. Often spotted in the early morning and at dusk.

Best Practices for Avoiding Encounters

• Stay alert and aware of your surroundings—avoid using headphones at high volume.
• Make noise while hiking to avoid surprising animals.
• Keep a safe distance from any wildlife—never approach or feed them.
• Hike during daylight hours when visibility is best.
• Carry deterrents such as bear spray where appropriate.
• Watch where you step and place your hands, especially around rocks or brush. 

Protect Your Pet—Use a Leash!

Keeping your dog on a leash is one of the most effective ways to prevent dangerous wildlife encounters. Even well-trained dogs can react unpredictably when encountering wildlife.

Using a leash:

• Keeps your dog from chasing or provoking wildlife
• Prevents your pet from wandering into hidden dangers like snakes
• Allows you to maintain control in a sudden encounter
• Reduces the risk of your dog leading a predator back to you 

Fawn/LAC

In Los Alamos County, the leash law requires dogs to be on a leash in public areas, including parks and trails. However, there are designated areas where dogs may be off-leash. In these areas, dogs must always remain under the owner’s “voice and sight control.” Dogs must be on a leash when within 100 yards of a trailhead. Remember, leash laws are in place to protect pets, people, and animals alike.

What to Do If You Encounter Wildlife

• • • • • • Stay calm and do not run
          • Make yourself look larger and speak firmly
          • Slowly back away while maintaining visual contact
          • Keep pets close and under control
• Give the animal plenty of space to escape

By staying informed and practicing responsible recreation, we can continue to enjoy the trails of Los Alamos County while safely coexisting with the wildlife that calls this area home. Help us keep wildlife wild!

Learn more about the animals of the Pajarito Plateau at www.lacnm.com/wildlife.