Bear sighting prompts shelter-in-place orders at two Santa Fe schools
A bear sighting near El Camino Real Academy and Ramirez-Thomas Elementary School in Santa Fe on Thursday morning led to shelter-in-place orders at both schools as authorities worked to safely capture and relocate the animal.
The bear was first reported around 10 a.m. near South Meadows Road and crossed the El Camino Real playground before moving through a residential area near Agua Fria Street, passing Ramirez-Thomas Elementary School, and entering a field by an apartment complex.
“It did go through the playground area,” Deputy Chief of Police Lawrence Barnett told KOAT.
Santa Fe police briefly lost sight of the bear but located it using a drone. New Mexico wildlife officers tranquilized the bear, captured it, and safely relocated it outside Santa Fe.
“Most recently, over the last several days, we’ve had at least four to five reports involving bear activity,” officials said.
Although an initial caller described the bear as aggressive, authorities observed no abnormal or aggressive behavior. The main concern was its presence near schools and homes.
The incident occurred one day after another bear was tranquilized and relocated from Ashbaugh Park in Santa Fe.
Earlier Thursday, a different bear spotted on an electrical line near Abiquiu Elementary School was electrocuted and died, according to Abiquiu News.
“The state of New Mexico is in severe drought. There is a fire north of the city limits of Santa Fe,” Barnett said.
Authorities expect more wildlife in the city due to the drought and wildfire conditions. They advised anyone encountering a bear to remain calm, back away, reach a safe place, and report the sighting to their local emergency authorities.
With thousands expected to attend the Santa Fe Indian Market, officials said the large crowds and noise may help keep bears away. However, sightings remain possible near hiking trails and mountain areas, and Santa Fe police said they are prepared to respond.
