Another bear was spotted in New Mexico, adding to a growing number of sightings this summer. This time, the bear appeared on Sunday.
The New Mexico Department of Wildlife captured the brown bear with help from Rio Rancho police. Officers found it in a neighborhood near Jane Circle SE and Golf Course Road SE.
Anna Moya, who lives in the neighborhood, got a close-up look at the bear.
“Well, I was outside watering with my two little dogs and my little female, Tilly, attacked the bear. She went after him,” Moya said via KOAT Action News. “He (the bear) came after her, and I was still screaming at him and he ran up the tree, I think, because I grabbed my dog and made her come inside.”
The source said the bear did run up a tree in Moya’s backyard.
Rio Rancho police officers and NMDOW personnel soon arrived at Moya’s home. Officials tranquilized the bear and safely removed it from her property.
“Oh my gosh, I was scared,” Moya said. “I was shaking so bad that I couldn’t think straight. I just got so scared. I’ve never been that close to a bear in my life.”
NMDOW urges homeowners to protect their neighborhoods by removing food and water sources from their yards and surrounding areas.
Weather Contributes to Increase in Bear Sightings
Earlier, the Department of Game and Fish said weather conditions likely contributed to the increase in bear sightings statewide.
Since July 2, there have been nearly 80 reported sightings and more than a dozen in and around Albuquerque. Other sightings are reported throughout the Sandia and Manzano Mountains, as well as in Santa Fe, Rio Rancho, and the communities around the Gila Mountains. The overall sightings have increased significantly statewide, according to NMDGF.
NMDGF said higher temperatures and dry conditions during spring and summer have reduced food and water supplies in the mountains. Bears then move into lower areas and neighborhoods to find food and water.
Department of Wildlife Communications Director Darren Vaughan said bears are entering residential areas since the sources are more readily available. They may eat garbage, leftover pet food, birdseed, or rotten fruit left on the ground.
