The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish says an increase in bear sightings across the state is likely due to the weather, KRQE reports. Since July 2, 2026, there have been nearly 80 reported sightings, more than a dozen of them in and around Albuquerque, with others in the Sandia and Manzano mountains, Santa Fe, Ruidoso and communities around the Gila Mountains.
Higher temperatures and a lack of moisture in spring and summer have left bears with less food and water in the mountains, pushing them into lower areas and even neighborhoods. Communications director Darren Vaughan said bears are entering residential areas where food is readily available, including garbage, leftover pet food, birdseed and rotten fruit that has fallen from trees.
The department advises keeping garbage in closed, sturdy cans and not putting it out before pickup day, feeding pets indoors and storing their food securely, putting out only a day’s worth of birdseed or removing feeders when bears are active, and picking fruit once it ripens. Woodpiles, compost and livestock should be kept away from the house, grills should be cleaned and stored after each use, and electric fencing can keep bears away without harming them.
Anyone who sees a bear should stay calm and not approach or run. Instead, slowly wave your arms while backing away, and never get between a mother and her cubs. If attacked, fight back aggressively, the department says.
About This Story
Daily Reports is Brant.One’s news roundup. Each day we gather the New Mexico stories worth knowing from newsrooms across the state, sum them up and point you to the source. This one comes from KRQE’s reporting, and their original story has the interviews and full details.
Editor’s note: Updated Oct. 31, 2026. This story is now part of Daily Reports, our New Mexico news roundup, and was revised to credit KRQE’s original reporting. Learn how Daily Reports works in our editorial standards.
