Wildlife in the city: Why more animals are entering urban areas

Have you noticed more wild animals like coyotes, bears or even mountain lions wandering through neighborhoods, crossing busy streets or showing up in places you wouldn’t expect? You’re not alone.

Across the country, including right here in Valencia County, these sightings are becoming more common, and residents are starting to ask why.

Are these animals searching for food, fleeing environmental stress or simply adapting to changing conditions? According to researchers and wildlife experts, it’s a little of all the above.

One of the biggest factors behind this trend is environmental change — drought, wildfires, urban expansion and habitat loss are forcing many species, especially larger animals, out of their traditional homes and into populated areas. Take the recent sighting in Los Lunas on July 9, when a young bear was spotted near N.M. 314. Authorities from New Mexico Game and Fish were able to safely relocate the animal back into the mountains. The question remains: Will it return or will others follow?

Coyotes have become regular visitors in cities. What was once considered unusual is now routine, residents spot them in parks, on sidewalks and even in their backyards. They’ve adapted to urban life remarkably well, taking advantage of food sources like rodents, trash and pet food left outdoors.

Stan Gehrt, a wildlife biologist at Ohio State University, has studied coyotes in urban environments for years. In one study, he found that “over 2,000 coyotes live comfortably in the Chicago metropolitan area, navigating everything from airport runways to crosswalks downtown” (Mahoney, 2012). Urban areas aren’t just “accidental” habitats they’re becoming intentional choices for some species. Cities often provide green spaces, consistent water sources and fewer natural predators.

Parks, golf courses, drainage ditches and even backyards offer cover and food. This increase in urban biodiversity brings both benefits and challenges. Wildlife helps with pollination, pest control, and even educational opportunities for residents. Close encounters also raise concerns about safety, disease transmission and damage to property or pets.

Interestingly, the rise in larger predators like bears and mountain lions is also connected to successful conservation efforts. Populations have grown over time, but with limited wild space left, animals are being pushed closer to human communities and even competing with each other for territory. So, what can be done?

Experts agree that community awareness is one of the best tools for peaceful coexistence. There are simple steps residents can take to reduce unwanted wildlife interactions, such as secure trash cans and compost bins, bring pet food inside at night, supervise small pets, especially after dark, eliminate water sources like open ponds or dripping faucets, avoid feeding wild animals — intentionally or unintentionally.

Local governments can also help by installing wildlife crossings, promoting wildlife-safe landscaping and educating the public through schools and community events. It’s important to remember that not all wildlife encounters are negative. While larger animals like bears or mountain lions can be dangerous, many species — like coyotes, foxes or raccoons — simply want to survive. The goal is not elimination but understanding and managing interactions responsibly.

Our cities are expanding. Our climate is shifting, and wildlife is responding in ways we’re only beginning to understand. What we once considered “wild” is now often just down the street. This growing overlap doesn’t have to be viewed as a threat.

Instead, it’s an opportunity for communities to think differently about how they interact with the natural world. We’re not just sharing space we’re part of the same ecosystem. As more animals begin to adapt to urban life, we must adapt, too. That means being informed, being prepared and finding solutions that protect both people and wildlife.

So next time you see a coyote trotting across the road or a bear spotted near town, remember this is the new normal, and how we respond, as individuals and as a community, will shape the future of our shared environment.

Program announcement

To register for an upcoming program or to join our Valencia County Extension Newsletter, call the Valencia County Cooperative Extension Service at 505-565-3002. For more information, visit valenciaextension.nmsu.edu.

Join our newsletter! Call the office and provide your email address to receive monthly updates and programming opportunities from the Valencia County Cooperative Extension Service. Call at 505-565-3002.

• ICAN Nutrition Class Series: Online Zoom from 2-3 p.m., every Thursday. Call the office at 505-565-3002 for more details about the Zoom classes.

• Mediterranean-Inspired Protein Bowls. 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 10, at Peralta Methodist Church, 25 Wesley Road, Peralta. Learn how to create a wonderful protein bowl inspired by our Med Instead of Meds Webinars and on a budget. Call the office to RSVP at 505-565-3002. RSVPs due by Thursday, Sept. 4, and lab fee by Friday, Sept. 5.

• Preserving Red Chile Webinar Series with Amber Benson, Bernalillo County FCS agent, and Crystal Garcia-Anaya, Valencia County FCS/4-H agent. This three-part webinar series will be held via Zoom from 4-5:30 p.m., s Sept. 9, 16, and 23. The webinar series is free; visit valenciaextension.nmsu.edu/ to register.

• Salsa from Seed to Seal: Gardening and Preserving Your Salsa Bounty. From 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 30. Location will be given upon lab fee payment. Discover how to grow and preserve the perfect salsa garden in this hands-on extension class. Discover how to plan, plant and care for a vibrant garden filled with essential salsa ingredients, including tomatoes, peppers, onions and herbs. Then, explore techniques to harvest and preserve your flavorful crops through water bath canning and pickling. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to expand your skills, this class will help you enjoy your garden’s bounty all year long. Call the office to RSVP by Tuesday, Sept. 23. Lab fees are due by Thursday, Sept. 25.

• Senior (50+) Health and Wellness Fair hosted by Sunshine Mid-Valley Extension Club. From 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 14, at the Masonic Hall, 607 Goebel St., Belen. Join the Sunshine Mid-Valley EANM Club for a Senior (50+) Health and Wellness Fair may feature free services including flu shots, blood pressure checks and more. This community event is a great opportunity to access essential health resources and connect with local wellness providers. For more information, call 505-865-9163.

• Ask a Master Food Preserver: From 6-7 p.m., second Monday of each month. Join virtually to get expert tips on food preservation. The topic for Aug. 11, is Spice it Up! NM Chile Preservation for Bold Flavors. Class is free. Visit bernalilloextension.nmsu.edu/index.html to register.

• Ask a Master Gardener Tables: Ask a Master Gardener about your home garden, insects, or get connected with the Extension Office. Visit us during the growers’ market hours at the following locations Bosque Farms Growers’ Market on the second Saturday of each month. Los Lunas Farmers’ Market on the second Tuesday of each month. Belen Farmers’ Market is the 2nd Friday of each month. Contact Sierra Cain for more information at 505-565-3002.

• The Valencia County Seed Library: Looking for seeds? The seed library is open! Check out up to 10 seed packets for your garden, attend a seed saving clinic at the end of the year to keep the library going! To obtain seeds, you can schedule an appointment with Sierra Cain at sierragh@nmsu.edu or 505-565-3002. Thank you to the Valencia County Master Gardeners for help in sorting and placement of seeds for the library.

• Agriculture School Enrichment Programs: School is back in action! Harvest and fall programs related to the science of agriculture are offered to elementary and middle school-aged students. Contact Sierra Cain for program offerings and scheduling at sierragh@nmsu.edu or 505-565-3002.

• Valencia County Fair Come visit us at the fair Aug. 18-24. View 4-H and open indoor exhibits and youth livestock projects. Bid for the winning 4-H cake and fill your freezer with local youth raised meat at the sale at 6 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 23. The Buyers’ Dinner is from 4-5:30 p.m.

If you are an individual with a disability who requires auxiliary aid or service to participate in a program, please contact the Valencia County Cooperative Extension Service Office at 505-565-3002 two weeks in advance of the event.