Santa Fe – Black bears are out and about throughout New Mexico looking for food, and state game officers are offering advice on how to avoid them.
A hiker in the Sandia Mountains near Albuquerque encountered a bear that briefly chased him in early May; another bear wandered into a Rio Rancho clinic May 18 when he triggered the building’s automatic doors.
The Department of Game and Fish says the most important thing is not to run from a bear.
Game and Fish officials advise backing away slowly, facing the bear but avoiding direct eye contact, which the animal may consider a threat.
If a bear attacks, fight back with anything at hand – rocks, sticks, binoculars, bare hands – aiming for its nose and eyes.
Other tips:
Make yourself appear large by holding out your jacket.
Pick up any small children so they don’t run.
If the bear hasn’t seen you, slowly move away, making a noise so the bear knows you’re there.
Give the bear plenty of room to escape so it doesn’t feel threatened or trapped. If you’re on a trail, step off to the downhill side and slowly move away.
Never get between a mother bear and her cubs.
Campers in bear country should store their food in bear-proof containers.
