Homeowners, Secure Your Property
By making the following recommendations a part of your daily life when in bear country, you can keep bears alive and yourself safe.
- Garbage: Store it in closed, sturdy cans kept inside a secure garage. Do not put out garbage outside.
- Pet food: Feed pets indoors. Store food in secure metal cans inside a sturdy shed or garage. Makes sure the garage door is closed at night.
- Bird feeders: Set out only enough bird seed to last throughout the day. Hummingbird feeders must be brought inside at night. Hang bird feeders from trees ,not on the porch or from the house rafters.
- Fruit trees: Plant fruit trees away from your house. Fruit should be picked as it ripens. Spoiled fruit that falls to the ground should be removed, because it will attract bears.
- Woodpiles: Keep woodpiles away from the house. It attracts rodents, which bears eat.
- Compost piles: Keep piles away from the house. Do not add melon rinds or other fragrant fruits.
- Beehives and chicken pens: Livestock and beehives should be kept away from your house. Protect them with electric fencing.
- Barbecues: Clean after each use, and store in a closed sturdy shed or garage.
Your safety and the welfare of bear populations are important to the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish. Should you have additional questions about black bears, please visit contact your nearest New Mexico Department of Game and Fish office or visit online: www.wildlife.state.nm.us.
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