NEWS
Bear bites man on campout near Red River
The Department of Wildlife is investigating the incident
Published
Modified
Officials say a man was bitten by a bear while camping Friday morning near Red River.
The New Mexico Department of Wildlife said in a news release that the man 鈥渟ustained non-life-threatening injuries鈥� in the incident.
It marked the second bear attack in New Mexico in as many days and the third so far this year. On Thursday, a man was fatally mauled by a bear on the Navajo Nation near the Arizona border, and earlier this month a man was bitten while walking his dogs in Cedar Crest.
Both bears in those previous incidents were killed by police and wildlife officials.
It is unclear what became of the bear in Friday鈥檚 incident, and the department did not immediately respond to follow-up questions.
The release stated that conservation officers were securing the area where the attack occurred and that the investigation was ongoing.
鈥淢ore information will be released to the public as it becomes available,鈥� according to the release. 鈥淚n light of this incident, the Department is issuing an urgent reminder to all residents and visitors to be 鈥榖ear aware鈥� while recreating in or near wildlife habitats. Encounters can happen unexpectedly, and knowing how to react is critical for public safety.鈥�
The attacks come amid a spike in bear sightings and conflicts statewide and in the region during a historic drought that has led to the animals鈥� natural food supply dwindling. Conservation officers have captured, euthanized and relocated more than 150 bears so far this year due to them wandering into populated areas, killing livestock and breaking into homes.
The department said if camping in bear country, secure food and trash 10 feet above the ground, put away fragrant items like toothpaste and soap, cook away from your campsite and change clothes afterward.
If you encounter a bear, according to the release, remain calm and leave by backing away slowly, make yourself look large and do not approach the animal.
鈥淚f the bear becomes aggressive or charges, do not play dead. Arm yourself with a large stick and use any weapon available,鈥� according to the release. 鈥淭hrow rocks, use a backpack, a hat, a jacket, or your bare hands if necessary to fight off the animal.鈥�
Friday morning several schools in Santa Fe were under shelter-in-place orders 鈥渄ue to a bear sighting in the surrounding neighborhood,鈥� according to a Facebook post by the district. The order was lifted hours later.
