Bear Dinner Aug. 25. Courtesy/PEEC 

COUNTY News:

New Mexico is home to approximately 5,000 to 6,000 black bears (Ursus americanus)—the official state animal of New Mexico—and this August, Los Alamos will once again feature the annual celebration of our wildlife neighbors at Bear Festival, presented by Century Bank.

Hosted by the Pajarito Environmental Education Center (PEEC), Bear Dinner and Bear Festival is Aug. 25-26 and will feature a lively, interactive celebration of the life, habits and diets of the New Mexico black bear.

“We’re thrilled to welcome back such an iconic, fun and educational event to Los Alamos,” said Dan Ungerleider with Los Alamos County’s Economic Development Division. “Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast or someone who wants to learn more about being a good neighbor to our bear friends and other local wildlife, we welcome you to explore Bear Festival and learn more about how to harmoniously exist with the amazing species that call our area home.”

Events kick off 6-8:30 p.m., Friday, Aug. 25 with Bear Dinner including a presentation that will feature experts from PEEC and the Land of Enchantment Wildlife Foundation (LEWF).

Dr. Kathleen Ramsay will present a talk about black bears, and following the talk, guests will enjoy a buffet-style dinner of foods that compose a black bear’s diet, catered by Secret City Kitchen. Drinks will include herbal teas, and a cash bar provided by Bathtub Row Brewing Co-op. The event will be a zero-waste evening. Tickets for the Bear Dinner are $30 for non-members and $25 for PEEC members.   

Bear Festival will feature a full day of events, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 26 with free admission. Attendees can learn from local, statewide and regional organizations and experts, as well as enjoy booths, games, crafts, food, scavenger hunts and more. 

For more information on Bear Festival, visit https://peecnature.org/events/. To plan your visit to Los Alamos, go to https://visitlosalamos.org.