KTAOS Concert calendar

As bear sightings become more common in New Mexico neighborhoods, the state’s Department of Wildlife is offering tips on how to stop the animals from spending time in your yard. The department said low availability of seasonal mast crops such as nuts, seeds, fruits and berries that bears rely on has led to increased bear activity and movements into areas where people live and recreate.

The New Mexico Environment Department is expanding access to free well water testing for New Mexicans who rely on private wells for their drinking water. Under the expanded program, New Mexicans using private wells can bring water samples to NMED field offices statewide, where staff will screen samples for nitrate, iron and fluoride.

Smoke Management refers to the policy and practice of minimizing the quantities of emissions from fires that enter communities, sensitive areas, and other designated areas. Many states have a Smoke Management Program (SMP) which outlines policies and procedures for managing smoke from prescribed and wildfires.

As summer temperatures remain high across New Mexico, health officials are reminding parents that babies and young children face a much greater risk of heat-related illnesses than adults and require extra precautions to stay safe. One of the earliest dangers parents should watch for is dehydration. To reduce the risk of heat-related illness, limit outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day and dress children in lightweight, light-colored clothing.

New Mexico is offering free back-to-school vaccine clinics for children statewide through Aug. 29, with 69 locations offering evening and weekend hours. The New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH), the New Mexico Primary Care Association and the New Mexico Immunization Coalition run the Got Shots clinics for children from birth through age 18.