The wildlife population in New Mexico is as diverse as its land. In addition to elk, deer, and antelope , there are also white-tailed rabbits, gray squirrels, gray foxes and wolves, coyotes, mountain lion and bobcats.
What wild animals does New Mexico have?
Big Game: Species include Barbary sheep, bear, bighorn sheep, cougar, deer, elk, ibex, javelina, oryx and pronghorn antelope . Read more... Upland Game: Species include dusky (blue) grouse, Eurasian collared-dove, quail (bobwhite, Gambel's, Montezuma, and scaled), pheasant and squirrel (Abert's, red, gray and fox).
Are there lions in New Mexico?
Large predators of New Mexico today are mountain lions, black bears, bobcats and coyotes. They are found throughout the state . These large, power ful predators have lived here for eons, feeding on the plentiful prey and playing an important role in the ecosystem.
What exotic animals live in NM?
The Persian ibex is just one in a trio of exotic game species that you can seek out and track in New Mexico. Farther east, in the Tularosa Basin and beyond, mask-faced African antelope called oryx range the Chihuahuan Desert.
Are there bear in New Mexico?
New Mexico's black bears actually come in a variety of color phases ranging from black and brown, to cinnamon (the most common color), reddish and blonde. ... In New Mexico, bears have been documented to live 20-25 years. In most of their range where they are hunted the average life span is about 7-8 years.
What big cats are in New Mexico?
In New Mexico, cougars, black bears, bobcats and coyotes are found throughout the state. These large predators have lived here much longer than humans and play an important role, helping to maintain a balanced ecosystem.
Do black panthers live in New Mexico?
In general, black jaguar, black leopard and other black panther sightings have been reported in various areas across the United States, including but not limited to Arizona, New Mexico, Southern California, Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska, Kentucky and Mississippi.
Are there wolves in New Mexico?
A 2021 census also revealed that there are now approximately 186 Mexican gray wolves in the American Southwest, with about 72 wolves in Arizona and 114 in New Mexico .
Are cougars in New Mexico?
Cougars (also called mountain lions, pumas, panthers, and catamounts) are one of the top native carnivores in New Mexico and help maintain the health of the landscape by keeping in check the grazing wildlife population.
Can you shoot mountain lion in New Mexico?
Hunting Law
Hunting of mountain lions is allowed in the State of New Mexico. The regulations governing “recreational” hunting of mountain lions specify 19 Cougar Management Zones. Mountain lion hunting season runs from April 1 to March 31 or until a unit's mortality limit or female sub-limit is met.
Are there Jaguars in New Mexico?
“Jaguars have been in the United States, including in New Mexico , for a long, long time,” said Michael Robinson, a senior conservation advocate with the Center for Biological Diversity. ... There were once hundreds of these big cats in New Mexico, but hunters wiped out the population decades ago.
How many cougars are in New Mexico?
Around 4,353 cougars live in New Mexico, according to the state. The 2019 quota is 740, according to state rules.
Are possums in New Mexico?
The Virginia opossum, Didelphis virginia, is an extremely unique mammal with many distinguishing physical and behavioral attributes. Their diet consists primarily of carrion, insects, amphibians, earthworms, small mammals, vegetables, fruits and berries, while apples and corn are favorites. ...
Do they have grizzly bears in New Mexico?
Historically, both black bears and grizzlies lived in New Mexico . Grizzlies were common in open grasslands as well as in forested areas. Currently, our black bear population is estimated at 5,000-6,000. ... Grizzlies evolved primarily on the plains where cover is scarce so they tend to stand and fight rather than flee.
Do brown bears live in New Mexico?
New Mexico is home to a unique subspecies of black bears , the aptly named New Mexico black bear, which also is found in Arizona, Colorado, Utah and Texas. They can be black, brown or cinnamon, but all are considered black bears.
Can you shoot a bear in New Mexico?
Kill more than one of the following: elk, pronghorn, Barbary sheep, bighorn sheep, ibex, javelina, oryx, bear or deer during any license year, except as permitted by rule .
