Can Prevent Woodlands Tragedies Black bears are New Mexico's state mammal and the only remaining species of wild bear living in our state. The average adult male weighs 250 pounds, although they can weigh up to 400 pounds. Females are usually about 150 to 180 pounds. In New Mexico, the maximum documented lifespan of black bears is 20 to 25 years.
Black bears are powerful mammals that have few naturally-occurring enemies.
Despite this, most bears, except those that have learned to associate people with food, will generally try to avoid people. Although black bears generally are not aggressive towards humans, rare attacks do occur. However, a person is 180 times more likely to be killed by a bee than a bear and 160,000 times more likely to be killed in a traffic accident. Be Bear Aware Spring is an exciting time in New Mexico's outdoors. A few precautions can provide increased protection for both species.