A man died Thursday afternoon after a bear attacked him in Crystal, New Mexico. The Navajo Police Department Window Rock District confirmed the death.
“This afternoon, at approximately 1 p.m., the Navajo Police Department Window Rock District received a report that an adult male had been attacked by a bear,” NPD said via social media.
Multiple agencies responded to the attack. The Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations and Navajo Fish and Wildlife Department joined the NPD Window Rock District to address the incident.
Police said law enforcement officers shot and wounded the bear before it fled into nearby woods. Officers later “located and neutralized” the animal.
“Unfortunately, the male victim succumbed due to injuries,” the department said.
The NPD urged the public to avoid potentially dangerous wildlife. It also advised residents to contact the nearest NPD district if they spot a bear.
Crystal lies within the Navajo Nation. The community sits in San Juan and McKinley counties, about three hours from Albuquerque.
Why Have Bear Sightings Increased?
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.
Brant.One will continue updating this article as more information becomes available, helping readers stay informed about the latest developments.
