Black bears have been regularly visiting Sandia Heights since mid-May, with most activity occurring overnight as they search for food. Unfortunately, unsecured garbage continues to be the primary attraction, as evidenced by the number of trash containers being overturned daily.
A mother bear with two cubs has been seen repeatedly in the neighborhood. Mother bears are naturally protective of their young, and a recent encounter resulted in a dog being injured after approaching the bears. Please use extra caution before letting children or pets outside, especially early in the morning or after dark, and always give bears plenty of space.
The best way to reduce bear activity is to eliminate all food sources. Keep garbage securely stored until the morning of collection whenever possible. If you must put your container out the night before, secure it using straps as shown in the attached videos. Please also remove bird feeders and avoid leaving pet food or other attractants outdoors.
The New Mexico Department of Wildlife advises that bears generally cannot be removed simply because they are present in a neighborhood. Intervention typically occurs only if bears become threatening, damage property, or repeatedly harass people or animals. By then, the outcome for the bear may be euthanasia.
The good news is that this is something we can prevent. Bears that repeatedly find food around homes become increasingly bold and are more likely to return. Removing food sources is the most effective way to discourage bears from staying in our neighborhood, reduce the risk of dangerous encounters, and help ensure they remain wild rather than becoming bears that wildlife officials must remove to protect public safety.
Thank you for helping protect both our community and New Mexico's wildlife.
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Several communities use a ratchet strap as a temporary "bear strap" to keep the lid closed until collection. Sandia Heights Services has told us they are willing to remove the strap during pickup.
These videos demonstrate two examples:
- City of Prince George Canada https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p0S-oAz3TOA
Alaska Fish and Game https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EmnnwkL7T5Y (Utilize bin lip)