Bernalillo County 5th District Commissioner Michael Brasher reminds East Mountain residents it’s crucial they take every precaution possible to avoid bear attacks. New Mexico authorities say the onset of record high temperatures and a recent drought have brought an increased number of bears to some communities, state campgrounds, and picnic sites.
On July 7, a 150-pound black bear attacked a 14-year old Boy Scout at the Philmont Scout Ranch in Cimarron. New Mexico State Game and Fish conservation officers have also responded to numerous calls regarding bear sightings in the East Mountains over the past two months.
“One of the best things you can do to discourage bears from coming anywhere near your property is to not leave any trash or food around that will attract them,” says Commissioner Brasher. “So, keep garbage inside the house until the morning of your garbage pick-up. Putting garbage out the night before gives the bears more opportunity to feed from your garbage cans.”
Commissioner Brasher also says the old adage is true: “A fed bear is a dead bear…Don’t feed bears. It only invites trouble.” For more information on bear safety, log on to
www.usscouts.org.
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7/19/2010