Black bear sightings trigger safety warnings in northern Mexico

Authorities in northern Mexico are issuing safety guidelines following increased sightings of black bears near residential and tourist areas in Coahuila and Nuevo León.

In Coahuila, the state government has reinforced prevention measures to manage encounters with the protected species. Officials advise citizens to remain calm, avoid running, and retreat slowly without turning their backs if an encounter occurs. To deter an approaching bear, experts recommend making oneself appear larger by raising arms or clothing and generating noise. Governor Manolo Jiménez Salinas emphasized that responsible coexistence is vital, urging the public not to feed, pursue, or approach the animals for photographs.

In Nuevo León, the organization Parques y Vida Silvestre has warned against dangerous behaviors driven by social media trends, such as approaching bears to take videos or photos. Recent sightings in the San Pedro municipality, including bears in residential pools and searching through trash, have highlighted the risks. Experts note that human interference often blocks the animals' natural escape routes back to the mountains, forcing them deeper into urban environments and increasing the likelihood of defensive reactions.