It was a hot August day in 2001—a year marked by severe drought, heat, and wind. The porch of a 93-year-old resident of Mora was filled with dried fruits, jams, jellies, and other delectable treats. In a tragic turn of events, a black bear tore through the screen of her kitchen window and crawled inside. The bear viciously attacked and killed her while she was making jam. Hunters and their bloodhounds tracked it down and terminated it near the Mora River.
Now, on another hot, windy, and dry August, there are reports of bears killing chickens, roaming onto people’s porches and yards, and even peering through large glass patio doors. One bear was spotted atop a power pole in eastern New Mexico, and remarkably, another entered a home near Las Vegas.
Following the massive wildfire, the natural habitat that usually provides sustenance—dense pine forests, piñon seeds scattered across the ground, juicy wild berries, apple trees laden with plump fruit, and gardens packed with fresh vegetables—is scarce this year.
With natural food sources depleted, bears view human settlements as an easy target. They venture into neighborhoods, raiding garbage cans and creating chaos. As opportunistic omnivores, bears will consume almost anything, including paper, plastic, foil, and spoiled food. If you spot a bear, lock your doors, close your windows, and avoid frying strong-smelling foods. Left unprotected, pets, children, the elderly, and even healthy adults are potential targets.
In the Mora Valley, we have lived alongside predators for centuries—from thin, hungry coyotes to ravenous black bears. We are constantly watched: magpies (urracas) linger near front doors, while vultures soar half a mile overhead. Hawks, falcons, eagles, and crows (cuervos) wait for an opportunity to snatch small puppies or kittens, and owls hunt cats under the cover of night. Skunks operate as silent, nocturnal threats as well. Then there are the big cats: bobcats will prey on a house cat right on your porch, and mountain lions (pumas) will stalk you while you track deer—a stark reminder of the hunter becoming the hunted.
Be proactive. We know it is hot, dry, and windy, and that water is scarce, but lock your doors, close your windows, and stay prepared. If you do not own or support the use of firearms, keep air horns, fireworks, or other noisemakers on hand—you don’t need to kill the animal, just frighten it away. Avoid leaving piles of trash in the beds of old pickup trucks; it provides easy scavenging for hungry wildlife. While covering trash helps deter birds, it won’t stop bears, which can catch the scent of food from miles away when the wind shifts.
Above all, never assume you can outrun, outclimb, or overpower a bear. Respect their danger and leave them alone. While they generally avoid conflict, a loud noise or reliable deterrent is your best line of defense. If firearms are out of the question, keep bear spray close at hand.