The Los Alamos County Council last week chose to implement an education plan rather than a feeding ban on wildlife, including bears, mountain lions, and deer.
Earlier this year, the Sandoval County Commission considered an ordinance that would have banned the feeding of wildlife throughout the county. Instead, the Commission ultimately voted on a ban on feeding wild horses without a permit. The action targeted a safety issue county officials say was created by Placitas residents feeding free-roaming horses, causing them to wander onto public roads. Two horses had to be put down earlier this year after being struck by vehicles on NM 165.
According to the Santa Fe New Mexican, the Los Alamos County Council considered a ban after state officials cited Los Alamos as being a problem area for interactions with wildlife, including bears, mountain lions, and deer. The state Department of Game and Fish supported the ordinance, calling it a human safety concern.
But a draft ordinance posted online drew a strong negative reaction to the proposal. So the Council at its Dec. 12 meeting voted unanimously to approve a preliminary plan for public education announcements and wildlife education programs to be conducted during 2024, according to the New Mexican’s reporting.
Some of the pushback against the ordinance was similar to what was heard from opponents of the ordinance in Sandoval County, including that people had a “right” to feed wild animals.
The proposed ordinance would have made exceptions for bird feeders. Proposed fines for violating the ordinance ranged between $25 and $100 for the first citation and up to $500 for repeat violations.
Sandoval County’s ban against feeding wild horses without a permit went into effect Sept. 1. Violations of the ordinance include up to 90 days in jail, a $300 fine, or both.