Courtesy/PEEC

COUNTY News:

Los Alamos’ iconic celebration of local wildlife—Bear Festival—returns to the Los Alamos Nature Center this August. To celebrate the official state animal of New Mexico—the black bear—along with additional area wildlife, Pajarito Environmental Education Center (PEEC) and Land of Enchantment Wildlife Foundation (LEWF) are hosting the annual Bear Dinner and Bear Festival Aug. 23-24.

The events, sponsored by Century Bank, will feature a lively, interactive celebration of the life, habits, and diets of the New Mexico black bear and other local predators. 

“Bear Festival provides a fun and interactive way to learn about local wildlife, as well as safety and conservation,” said Ellyn Felton, Marketing Specialist for Los Alamos County. “Join us for family fun, delicious food, and opportunities to learn how to be good neighbors to our bear friends and other wildlife.” 

Kicking off Friday, Aug. 23, Bear Dinner will run 6- 8:30 p.m. The dinner and presentation will feature experts from PEEC and 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. Tickets for the Bear Dinner are $35 for non-members and $30 for PEEC members. As spots are limited, advance registration is recommended.

Saturday, Aug. 24, will feature a full day of free events at Bear Festival. Running 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., attendees can learn from local, statewide, and regional organizations and experts. The festival will have 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.