SANTA FE, N.M. — A black bear spent Monday high in a tree at Fort Marcy Park, drawing attention from local officials as preparations continue for Santa Fe’s annual Burning of Zozobra.
The bear was spotted in the park Monday morning, where officers and animal services personnel responded and began monitoring the situation. The animal remained in the tree through Monday afternoon.
Wildlife officials were notified and were also monitoring the bear. Authorities decided against using a tranquilizer because the bear was high enough in the tree that a fall could pose a serious risk.
For now, officials are allowing the bear time to come down on its own while keeping an eye on the area.
The unusual wildlife encounter comes just days before Fort Marcy Park is scheduled to host the 102nd Burning of Zozobra on Friday, September 4. The annual event is expected to bring large crowds to the park, with gates opening at 4 p.m. and the program beginning at 6 p.m. The burning and fireworks finale will take place after dark, weather and wind permitting.
The park is already undergoing preparations for the event. Several facilities around Fort Marcy have scheduled closures as crews prepare the grounds, with additional restrictions taking effect as Zozobra approaches.
The city has also announced significant traffic restrictions around Fort Marcy for Zozobra. Bishop’s Lodge Road will close in stages on Friday, while several nearby streets will have additional closures beginning later in the day.
The immediate priority, however, remains the bear. Officials have continued to monitor the animal rather than attempting to force it from the tree.
As of Monday afternoon, the bear was still in place. No confirmed update was available indicating that it had safely come down.
