Wildlife
No matter which season you choose to experience RidgeWalk, you are sure to see some wildlife: elk, deer, turkeys, and on a rare occasion, bobcat, mountain lion or bears.
Every spring, the locals look forward to the arrival of the hummingbirds. Then at the beginning of July, the Orange Roufus arrive. You will have a feeder on your deck so you can enjoy their battle for the feeder.
Be Bear Aware
We have black bears in our area. Even if their color ranges from black and brown, to cinnamon (the most common color), reddish and blonde, these are not the grizzly that are aggressive; however, be cautious.
BearWise Basic
• NEVER FEED OR APPROACH BEARS. Feeding bears (intentionally or unintentionally) trains them to approach homes and people for more food. Bears will defend themselves if a person gets too close, so don’t risk your safety and theirs!
• Secure food, garbage and recycling. Food and food odors attract bears so don’t reward them with easily available food or garbage. It is illegal to create a nuisance by feeding bears.
• Unsecured garbage is the primary cause of most human–bear conflicts.
• Bears generally will avoid humans unless they become conditioned to eating human food or garbage.
• In most locales vegetative material comprises 80-90% of black bear diets.
• Black bears occur in all mountainous areas of New Mexico.
• Grizzly bears no longer occur in New Mexico.
• Do not mess with a cub because they are “cute”. Mother does not like that!
• Black bears can run up to 35 miles per hour, climb trees and swim well.
• Let us know of any bear activity. For more information about our New Mexico bears, visit BearWise.org