Bear Rehab Center Cares for 17 Bears

New Mexico's only bear rehabilitation facility handled its busiest summer in nearly a decade, as drought pushed bears toward neighborhoods and dumpsters.

Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Wildlife

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The Land of Enchantment Wildlife Foundation in Santa Cruz cared for 17 bears this summer, its busiest stretch in nearly a decade. The bears came from around New Mexico, and by mid-August the foundation had 15 in its care.

Why it matters

A lack of water and food pushed bears out of their natural habitats and into neighborhoods, dumpsters and backyards. The foundation is the only bear rehabilitation facility in New Mexico, so its capacity directly shapes how the state responds to displaced bears.

The foundation's record intake was 56 bears during the 2001 Cerro Grande wildfire, compared with 17 this summer. Sunflower arrived in June at 22 pounds and was released last week at 132 pounds, while bears attempt to eat about 20,000 calories a day at this time of year.

The players

Land of Enchantment Wildlife Foundation

The Land of Enchantment Wildlife Foundation is a nonprofit operating the only bear rehabilitation facility in New Mexico, located in Santa Cruz.

Game and Fish Department

The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish is the state agency responsible for managing wildlife, including releasing rehabilitated bears back into the wild.

The details

The foundation cares for cubs and also takes yearlings, keeping bears with as little human contact as possible while providing more food. The bear Sunflower arrived from the Mescalero Apache Reservation in June and was released by Game and Fish last week.

June: Sunflower arrives at the center from the Mescalero Apache Reservation weighing 22 pounds.
Mid-August: The foundation has 15 bears in its care.
Last week: Game and Fish releases Sunflower at 132 pounds.
Spring: Cubs now at the center are expected to remain until heavy enough to survive on their own.

Seasonal Patterns

This summer's 17 bears sit far below the 56 the foundation took in during the 2001 Cerro Grande wildfire, its historical record. The current surge reflects a dry season that pushed bears out of their habitats, a pattern the center has seen before during drought years.

Residents of New Mexico who encounter bears near homes or dumpsters should secure food sources and garbage to avoid drawing bears into neighborhoods. Keeping bird feeders and pet food indoors reduces the chance that bears become habituated to people.

The takeaway

Securing trash, pet food and bird feeders is the most practical step residents can take when drought pushes bears closer to towns. Limiting easy food sources helps keep bears wild and reduces the need for rehabilitation.