Black bears in the US spark safety alerts after New Mexico capture

Wildlife officials in New Mexico captured a mature black bear that had been roaming near homes, a pecan orchard and the Evergreen Retirement Community in Doña Ana County. The animal was trapped after several days of sightings, and no injuries were reported. Officials said unusually dry conditions may have driven the bear from its mountain habitat into the Mesilla Valley in search of food and water.

In Utah, officials warned that ongoing drought is reducing natural food sources, causing black bears to become bolder and more likely to seek food at campsites and residential areas. They urged residents and visitors to secure garbage, pet food, bird feeders and other attractants, and to use bear‑resistant containers to prevent dangerous encounters and potential euthanasia of problem bears.