Bear sighted west of Clovis

There was a bear sighted last Wednesday west of Clovis near Ranchvale.

Tristanna Bickford, communications director of the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish stated in a news release that the sighting was reported to local conservation officers.

Bickford wrote it is not uncommon for a bear or two to move through eastern New Mexico every 4 or 5 years. She says after hibernation, bears begin moving around, looking for food sources.

Young bears especially can move significant distances as they look for new areas.

Bickford went on to write about dealing with bears in the area.

“Everyone can work together to help keep people and the bear safe,” Bickford wrote. “Bears are highly motivated to find consistent food and water sources. Removing attractants from your yard can help encourage the bears to move on, looking for a more suitable habitat.”

Bickford suggested people feed and water pets inside or quickly remove leftover food from open spaces; store trash inside until the day of pick up; remove bird feeders at night and in twilight hours; remove water features from your yard; and thoroughly clean grills after use storing them indoors.