NEW MEXICO (KRQE) — If it feels like you’re hearing a lot about bears lately, there’s a reason. The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish says there’s been an increase in bear sightings across the Land of Enchantment this year, and it’s mostly due to the weather.
There have been nearly 80 bear sightings in New Mexico since July 2, with more than a dozen in and around Albuquerque. Sightings have been reported throughout the Sandia and Manzano mountains, along with Santa Fe, Ruidoso and communities around the Gila Mountains. Overall though, sightings have increased statewide, according to NMDGF.
Higher temperatures and a lack of moisture over the spring and summer have left bears with less food/water in the mountains, forcing them to move to lower elevations in search of nutrition. Some are even finding their way into local neighborhoods…