Veterinarian and founder of The Wildlife Center in Espanola Dr. Kathleen Ramsay accepts a proclamation from Los Alamos County Councilor James Robinson proclaiming August ‘Bear Month’ in Los Alamos County. Robinson donned his bear hat for the occasion. Photo by Maire O’Neill/losalamosreporter.com
Los Alamos County Councilor Katrina Schmidt looks on Tuesday evening as Councilor James Robinson reads a proclamation declaring August 2019 ‘Bear Month’ in Los Alamos County. Photo by Maire O’Neill/losalamosreporter.com
LOS ALAMOS COUNTY COUNCIL NEWS
Los Alamos County Council has proclaimed August 2019 as “Bear Month” in the County. The following is the text if the proclamation read at Tuesday’s meeting in Council Chambers in the Municipal Building:
WHEREAS: Los Alamos is blessed with an abundance of wildlife, and healthy wildlife populations have a positive impact on the Los Alamos community – our community is notably home to the American Black Bear; and
WHEREAS: Five key bear-safety practices should be added to our daily routines and recreational activities. When out in the wilderness, make noise so that a bear is not surprised by human presence, stay alert and actively look for signs of bears; never approach or crowd bears: keep food, garbage, and other attractants out of reach of bears; stay calm during a bear encounter, and do not run; and
WHEREAS: Humans can also reduce the likelihood of bear encounters around the home by removing bird feeders, securing garbage in bear-resistant containers, not feeding bears, planting gardens away from game trails, and frequently turning compost; and
WHEREAS: The Los Alamos Nature Center, the Pajarito Environmental Education Center, Land of Enchantment Wildlife Foundation, and many other local and state agencies will present many different bear education events throughout the month of August, including hosting New Mexico’s only Bear Festival on August 24th;
NOW, THEREFORE, on behalf of the Council of the Incorporated County of Los Alamos, I do hereby designate August 2019 as “BEAR MONTH” and urge our citizens to participate in this event by learning about bear safety and responsibility for peaceful coexistence with these remarkable animals so that they can continue to thrive across our county and state for generations to come.