Man Injured in Cedar Crest Bear Encounter; Officials Urge ‘Bear Aware’ Caution

CEDAR CREST — Wildlife officials are urging residents and visitors to exercise heightened caution after a man was bitten by a bear while walking his dogs Wednesday morning in Cedar Crest.

The man suffered non-life-threatening injuries in the incident, according to the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish. Conservation officers were on scene Wednesday investigating the incident and securing the area.

The active investigation prompted state wildlife officials to issue an urgent safety reminder regarding black bear interactions, emphasizing that encounters in or near wildlife habitats can happen without warning.

To minimize the risk of dangerous encounters, officials advise anyone recreating in bear country to follow key safety practices:

• Stay calm and back away: Never panic, run, or make sudden movements. Running can trigger a bear’s predatory instinct to chase. Stop, keep eyes on the bear, and back away slowly.
• Make yourself look large: Raise your arms, open a jacket, and stand tall to appear intimidating.
• Maintain distance: Never approach a bear. Use extreme caution if cubs are visible, as mother bears will aggressively defend their offspring. Never get between a sow and her cubs.
• Fight back if attacked: Unlike reactions advised for some brown bear encounters, individuals attacked by a black bear should not play dead. Fight back using sticks, rocks, backpacks, or bare hands.

Dog owners are particularly advised to remain vigilant, as pets can startle wildlife or provoke protective behaviors from nearby animals.

Additional resources and bear safety guidelines can be found on the department’s website at wildlife.dgf.nm.gov.