DONA ANA COUNTY, N.M. (KFOX14/CBS4) — The black bear that prompted concern across Doña Ana after being spotted near homes, pecan orchards and a retirement community has been safely captured by wildlife officials, bringing an end to several days of sightings.
The bear was first reported Thursday after it was seen getting into a dumpster near the Evergreen Retirement Community. Later that evening, New Mexico State Police established a perimeter around a nearby pecan orchard while New Mexico Department of Game and Fish conservation officers searched for the animal. Despite searching until late that night, officers were initially unable to locate the bear.
After additional reports from residents over the following days, wildlife officials were able to safely capture the bear.
Officials with New Mexico Game and Fish set up a trap and caught the bear Sunday night.
Black bear safely captured after roaming Doña Ana neighborhoods (credit: Viewer)
Officials have not reported any injuries related to the incident.
The bear’s appearance in the Mesilla Valley was considered unusual. Wildlife officials previously said the animal likely wandered into the area in search of food and water after an abnormally dry spring and summer reduced natural food sources in its mountain habitat.
Residents had shared photos and surveillance video showing the bear climbing pecan trees and walking through neighborhood yards, with many saying they had never seen a bear so far into the Chihuahuan Desert.
The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish continues to remind residents to reduce attractants that can draw bears into neighborhoods by:
Storing garbage in secure containers.Feeding pets indoors and securing pet food.Bringing bird feeders inside at night.Picking ripe fruit and removing fallen fruit.Cleaning barbecue grills after use.Never feeding or approaching bears.
Black bear safely captured after roaming Doña Ana neighborhoods (credit: Viewer)
Officials also remind the public that if they encounter a bear, they should remain calm, avoid running, slowly back away, and give the animal plenty of space.
RELATED: Black bear roams Doña Ana, spotted in pecan trees and near Evergreen retirement community
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