Black Bear Invades Albuquerque Neighborhood Before Raiding Backyard And Drinking From Pool

A black bear wandered through residential yards on July 26 on the city’s West Side, near 98th Street north of I-40.

A police drone provided visual coverage as the bear moved through the neighborhood. The animal stopped near a home to eat apples before entering a neighboring backyard and drinking water from a swimming pool.

In late July 2026, police drones assisted with monitoring a bear reported as a mother with at least one cub in related coverage. Hot, dry conditions had pushed bears into urban areas seeking food and water.

New Mexico Department of Wildlife officers later safely captured and reunited the bears for relocation.