They can be brown, blonde or even white, although such coloring is rare, especially in New Mexico. They can also be in your dumpster.They are Black Bears and they’re the most commonly seen bears on the North American continent, sighted more frequently than grizzlies. They can be found throughout the continent and are truly America’s bear. There are an estimated 2800 in New Mexico.
Black bears are highly intelligent and quick learners. Since they adapt their lifestyles to the availability of food, they’re frequent visitors at campgrounds and, unfortunately, garbage dumpsters. They also may be on the front porch if you leave a dog food bowl out or don’t take the hummingbird feeders inside at night. They have been known to take a curious peek through the window.
Bears are wild creatures and deserve your respect. Keep your distance for your safety, as well as the bear’s well-being. Strong, powerful and agile, they can easily injure humans without having hostile intentions. A cuff or a simple playful swat can cause much damage.
Bear attacks are rare. Shy creatures, they typically avoid interaction with humans. One theory suggests that our odor is as repugnant to them as theirs is to us.
Leave the bears alone, especially cubs. Where a cub is found, a mother is usually close at hand; they haven’t been abandoned. Don’t touch them or try to feed them. Leave their babies alone!
If you are camping, avoid sites where bear tracks or scat are evident. Do not store food in a tent or even outside the tent in locked coolers, for metal and plastic boxes are no match for a hungry bear.
To feed a bear is to kill a bear. Bears who become used to human food can become aggressive towards humans. Sadly such creatures have no future.
For more info on bears, stop by the Red River Chamber of Commerce in Town Hall or the Questa District Ranger Station, in the canyon near Questa.