Reported Bear Sighting In Magdalena

By John Larson

MAGDALENA -- Reported sightings of a black bear, or bears, on the southern fringe of the village is a reminder to leave no edibles outside, according to Marshal Larry Cearley.
“The normal pinon crop and other staples of bears is low this year, and they are looking for something to eat,” Cearley said. “We’ve had reports of bears begin attracted by pet food, bird feeders, feed for horses, like oats, and of course, open trash barrels.”
The state’s Department of Game and Fish District Wildlife Supervisor Bobby Griego, based in Magdalena, said one trap has been set for a few days.
As of press time Wednesday plans had been made to set an additional trap.
“We think it is the one bear that has been hitting two or three houses,” he said. “Hopefully we can catch it.”
But bears are doing what comes naturally, looking for food when they are hungry said Marty Frentzel of Game and Fish.
“If there’s something to eat they will go for it,” Frentzel said. “This is the time of year we try to help people ‘bear-proof’ their property. Although the bears [in the Magdalena Mountains] are not being as aggressive as in the Sandia-Manzano area, the late spring damaged some of their food sources. They are usually eating a lot of vegetative materials, grass, plants. Some of that is simply not available.”
Frentzel said “attractants” include grain in bird feeders, dog food left outside, compost piles with watermelon or cantaloupe rinds, and household trash.
“Another precaution is to not have firewood stacked against the house. That’s the perfect place for rodents to breed, and bears will sniff them out,” Frentzel said.
Special Hours
The Magdalena Post Office will operate under special hours Saturday, July 10, due to Old Timers Weekend activities.
Postmaster Greg Vivian said counter hours for this Saturday only will be 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.
Vivian said all mail will be in boxes by 10 a.m.
Vet Van Available
As a public service for veterans in need of transport to the Albuquerque Medical Center, Socorro D.A.V. Cinnabder Paul Drake has authorized a 2-3 month trial to determine if the project can be self-sustaining.
To this end, a six-seat van has been purchased. On Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, trips will depart the Socorro DAV at 7 a.m. and return from Albuquerque beginning at 2 p.m.
A 10-day advance notice and small voluntary contribution are requested. Volunteer drivers to date include Jack Duffy, Peter Romero, Leonard Clapes and Charlie Hartwell. Phone 838-1094. For further details, leavea brief message, name and return phone number.

Reported Bear Sighting In Magdalena