CATRON COUNTY, N.M. (KRQE) — People visiting the Jordan Hot Springs area in the Gila Wilderness are asked to leave immediately on Friday afternoon as an “aggressive, human-habituated” bear has been reported in the area. The public is being encouraged to avoid the area until further notice while the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish investigates the sighting.
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According to Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument, the bear entered the hot springs while people were soaking in them. Officials also say the bear charged at hikers, harassed campers, and destroyed a tent.
The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish offered these suggestions for anyone camping in areas known to have bears:
- “Keep your camp clean and store food and garbage properly at all times. Use bear-proof containers when available. If not, suspend food, toiletries, coolers, and garbage from a tree at least 10 feet off the ground and 6 feet out from the tree trunk.
- Keep your tent, sleeping bag, and gear free of all food smells. Store the clothes you wore while cooking or eating with your food.
- Sleep a good distance from your cooking area or food storage site; 100 yards is recommended.”
As for hikers, the department says they should go in a group, make noise, and keep children as well as your pets close. They are asked to avoid leaving trash on the trail.
If someone encounters a bear, this is how the department suggests they protect themselves:
- “Stop and back away slowly while facing the bear. Avoid direct eye contact, as the bear may consider that a threat. Do not run. Make yourself appear large by holding out your jacket. If you have small children, pick them up so they don’t run.
- Give the bear plenty of room to escape, so it doesn’t feel threatened or trapped. If a black bear attacks you, fight back using anything at your disposal, such as rocks, sticks, binoculars, or even your bare hands. Aim for the bear’s nose and eyes.
- If the bear has not seen you, stay calm and slowly move away, making noise so the bear knows you are there.
- Never get between a mother bear and her cubs.”
The department says they want to keep everyone, including the bears, safe.
