Bears remain active throughout the fall, and the department is encouraging New Mexicans to take precautions when trick-or-treating, camping or exploring the outdoors.
Source: National Park Service, N.M. Department of Wildlife
Images: Courtesy
Editor’s Note: The caption on the cover photo was added by Las Cruces Digest and is not part of the original image published by the New Mexico Department of Wildlife.
NEW MEXICO — Ghosts, goblins and things that go bump in the night may be part of the Halloween fun, but the New Mexico Department of Wildlife is reminding residents that some of the season’s unexpected visitors are very real — and potentially dangerous.
Bears remain active throughout the fall, and the department is encouraging New Mexicans to take precautions when trick-or-treating, camping or exploring the outdoors.
Halloween candy, pumpkins, food scraps and unsecured garbage can attract hungry bears. Wildlife officials recommend bringing candy indoors, removing pumpkins in bear country and keeping trash and other food sources securely stored.
Campers should avoid leaving food or garbage unattended and keep coolers inside trailers, campers or vehicles with the windows rolled up. Grills should also be cleaned and stored after use, as bears have a keen sense of smell and may be attracted by lingering food odors.
For those venturing into the wilderness, officials recommend hiking in groups, making noise to avoid surprising wildlife and maintaining a safe distance from any animals encountered along the way.
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The National Park Service offered a similarly spirited Halloween reminder, noting that the scariest outdoor encounters often have less to do with ghosts than with poor planning and questionable decisions.
From mysterious noises in the woods to unexpected encounters with wildlife, the outdoors can become particularly unsettling after dark. Visitors are encouraged to stay on marked trails, watch their footing, check weather conditions and carry appropriate supplies.
The Park Service also offered a bit of seasonal wisdom for anyone who hears something unusual while exploring the woods:
“And if something in the woods starts whispering your name? Well, perhaps don’t investigate.”
Whether celebrating Halloween around the neighborhood or spending the evening beneath the stars, wildlife officials say a few simple precautions can help keep the holiday safe for people and animals alike.
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