Wildlife Habitats
A great variety of animals in
their natural habitat can be found throughout the Land of Enchantment.
Learn more about them as they play, hunt and relax in these natural
habitats. Many of these areas are open to seasonal hunting and
camping as well. Because most of these habitats are very rural,
so they are listed by the nearest city.
Albuquerque / Belen / Bernardo
/ Bloomfield / Carlsbad
/ Cebolleta / Chama
/ Cimarron / Clayton
/ Dulce /
Edgewood / Farmington
/ Grants / La Joya
/ Las Cruces / Las
Vegas / Lordsburg / Maxwell
/ Pecos /
Portales / Questa
/ Raton / Roswell
/ Silver City / Socorro
/ Taos / Taos Ski
Valley / Tierra Amarilla /
Tres Piedras / Truth
or Consequences / Tucumcari /
- For a listing
of State Parks, click here. This will
take you to another page in this Web site.
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ALBUQUERQUE
- Elena Gallegos
Animal species documented: 199 bird species, 34 mammal species,
and 23 reptiles. Mammals include: the black-tailed jackrabbit,
rock squirrel, coyote, and many more. Coming from the north,
take the Tramway Road Exit (234) off I-25. The road gradually
climbs 7.5 miles, eventually paralleling the mountains. Pass
one stop sign and six stoplights. About a half mile beyond San
Rafael Street (the sixth stoplight), turn left at the sign for
the park. From downtown Albuquerque, travel north on Tramway
from Montgomery; 0.8 mile to the entrance on right. For more
information, contact the Albuquerque Open Space Division, Albuquerque,
NM.
(505) 873-6620
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BELEN
- Belen Waterfowl Area - 230 acres along the Rio Grande River
just south of Albuquerque. Good bird watching. Resting place
for wintering waterfowl. No hunting or fishing in this area.
For more information contact New Mexico Game and Fish in Albuquerque
at (505) 841-8881
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BERNARDO
- Bernardo Waterfowl Area - Located 26 miles north of Socorro
at the Bernardo exit on I-25, the Bernardo Waterfowl area is
open to year round bird watching and seasonal hunting. 450 acres
of crops provide winter feed for migratory and upland birds.
Salt cedar, cottonwoods, pongs and a small marsh house these
waterfowl along the Rio Grande River. Fishing is limited and
boat use is restricted to non-motor types. For more information
contact New Mexico Game and Fish in Albuquerque at (505) 841-8881
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BLOOMFIELD
- Roy J. Retherford Wildlife
Area
Riverside park where bird watching is available. Located two
miles east of Bloomfield on US 64. For more information contact
the Bloomfield Chamber of Commerce at (505) 632-0880, or the
City of Bloomfield Administration Offices in Bloomfield, NM.
(505) 632-8096
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CARLSBAD
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CEBOLLETA
- Marquez Wildlife Area - Rolling piñon and juniper hills,
oak and ponderosa pine and then large open mesa top with clumps
of gambles oak and grass. The Marquez Wildlife area is 8,500
feet above sea level and is the home to elk, deer and small game.
Right on the McKinley-Sandoval County lines, hunting is by draw
for elk only. Small game hunting permitted. Very rough, remote
country. Camping is in primitive sites. For more information
contact New Mexico Game and Fish in Albuquerque at (505) 841-8881
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CHAMA
- Edward Sargent State Wildlife
viewing area
20,400 acres of wildlife area mostly dominated by elk. Even though
this area is considered a prime elk habitat other species can
be viewed such as coyote, porcupine and much more.
North and adjacent to Chama, NM, off NM 17 and US 64/84.
For more information contact the New
Mexico Department of Game and Fish (800) 862-9310
W.A.
"Bill" Humphries State Wildlife viewing area
10,868 acres of wildlife area mostly dominated by elk. Even though
this area is considered a prime elk habitat other species can
be viewed such as coyote, porcupine and much more. Located 10
miles west of Chama on US 64/84 before Dulce. For more
information contact the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish
District Wildlife office at (505) 756-2585 or
Division of Wildlife Supervisor, (505) 756-2718
- Río de los Pinos State
Wildlife & Fishing Area
East of Chama. Must go through Cumbres, Colorado and back to
New Mexico to enter on FR 284., then northeast on Co. 17 to US
285; south on US 285, into New Mexico and turn west onto FR 284.
(505) 756-2300
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CIMARRON
- Colin Neblett Wildlife Area
33,116 acres of wildlife area that
shelters large populations of deer, turkey, elk, and many more
species. Follow U.S. 64 westward from Címarron to Ute
Park into the upper eight miles
of Cimarron Canyon to view the Colin Neblett Wildlife
Area.
(505) 376-2417, (505) 377-6271 or New
Mexico Department of Game and Fish (800) 862-9310
- Philmont Scout Ranch
Wildlife viewing is available here by roadside viewing and back
country viewing. A visitor can enjoy roadside viewing freely,
however, the back country viewing requires the visitor to get
authorization from Philmont Scout Ranch as Philmont is private
property. From the town of Címarron, turn south onto NM
Hwy. 21 and continue for two miles. Viewing begins with the bison
enclosure on the west side of the road. Philmont Scout Ranch,
Cimarron, NM.
(505) 376-2281.
- Elliott S. Barker Wildlife Area
A habitat area of 5, 415 acres for deer, elk, bear, and turkey.
Running parallel to US 64, the Elliott S. Barker Wildlife Area
is about 15 miles northwest of Címarron, NM.
(505) 376-2417, (800) 700-4298 or
New Mexico Department
of Game and Fish (800) 862-9310
- Valle Vidal
100,000 acre wilderness area.
Located in the Carson National Forest. 27 miles north of Címmaron,
NM.
(505) 376-2417
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CLAYTON
- Clayton Lake Area
Year round look for the gray fox, prong horn, raccoon, and mule
deer. For more information call (505) 667-2757 or New Mexico
Park & Recreation Division: (505) 374-8808 or the USDA Forest
Service, (505) 374-9652 or
New Mexico Department
of Game and Fish (800) 862-9310
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DULCE
- Jicarilla Lakes Loop
The lake is the largest breeding area for waterfowl in the state.
Elk, mule deer, coyote, and wild turkey are part of the wildlife
that can be viewed here. Golden eagles can also be viewed year-round.
Wildlife viewing must be done in or near your vehicle. Other
activities require a tribal permit. Near Dulce, NM, on the Jicarilla
Apache Reservation. Jicarilla Game and Fish: (505) 759-3255
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EDGEWOOD
- Wildlife West Nature Park - Native flora and rescued, non-releasable wildlife
in a 122 acre enhanced zoo and wildlife refuge. Fabulous array
of animals to observe. 19 miles east of Albuquerque on I-40,
exit 187. 87 N. Frontage Road, Edgewood, NM (505) 281-7655
or 281-WILD (9453) or (877) 815-WILD or E-mail: info@WildlifeWest.org.
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FARMINGTON
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GRANTS
- Water Canyon Wildlife Area - About 14 miles east, and then a little
north of Grants, NM, the Water Canyon Wildlife Area ranges 6,500
to 8,000 feet above sea level. Access is by walking or horseback.
Habitat improvements going on in the area. Open to spring turkey,
cougar, bear and small game hunting during appropriate seasons.
For more information contact New Mexico Game and Fish in Albuquerque
at (505) 841-8881
- El Malpais National Monument and National
Conservation Area
It is the home to many species including: golden eagle, red-tailed
hawk, bear, deer, coyote, mountain lion, bobcat, elk, mule, and
antelope. El Malpais provides many recreational opportunities
for the visitor.Two State Highways -- NM 53 on the west side,
NM 117 on the east -- provide access to El Malpais. The El Malpais
Information Center can provide detailed information and maps.
The center has just relocated to a new facility off NM 53, about
23 miles south of Grants. El Malpais National Monument Administration:
(505) 285-4641; Information Center: (505) 783-4774;
El Malpais National Conservation Area: (505) 285-5406.
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LA JOYA
- La Joya Waterfowl Area - Just north of Socorro, take the San
Acacia exit on I-25. An important resting spot of the Spaniards,
Indians and Federal and Confederate Soldiers. A wonderful spot
for picture taking of sandhill cranes, geese, ducks, shorebirds,
quail, dove and songbirds. There are ponds, canals and ditches
that spread out over 3,550 acres of land. Waterfowl hunting is
permitted during open season. Fishing is permitted in the summer
and bird watching is great all year long. For more information
contact New Mexico Game and Fish in Albuquerque at (505) 841-8881
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LAS CRUCES
- San Andres National Wildlife Refuge
The 57,215-acre wildlife refuge
houses the state-endangered desert bighorn, along with mule deer,
golden eagles, mountain lions, and gray vireos. On the refuge,
48 species of mammals and 132 species of birds have been documented.
Take Highway 70 E to intersection of Santa Gertrudis (between
mile markers 159 and 160). Office is in chain link compound at
northeast corner of intersection (three car shop is in compound
with Office). Because it's on the White Sands Missile Range,
you can't go there for recreational purposes. However, they do
use volunteers in many capacities. North of Las Cruces, NM.
(505) 382-5047
- Dripping Springs Natural Area
This area, also known as "weeping walls," is comprised
of many habitats that each contain their own biological diversity.
A desert oasis! Also visit the ruins of the historic Dripping
Springs Resort, once a TB assylum, and too. Nice visitor center
with small museum about the area and clean restrooms. Good hiking
trails and picnic tables.I-25, Exit 0 (University Ave.), and
travel east 9 miles on University Ave. (County Road 77) to site.
Watch for signs to Dripping Springs. No admittance after 3 p.m.;
gate closes at 8 p.m. It's a 1.5 mile hike to the springs. Las
Cruces, NM. Bureau of Land Management: (505) 522-1219
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LAS VEGAS
- Las Vegas National Wildlife Refuge
Provides wintering habitat for migratory birds, hawks, sandhill
cranes, eagles, and waterfowl with more than 300 species of wildlife,
including 239 species of birds. Wildlife observation and photography,
fishing, limited hunting, and hiking (limited to a .5 mile trail
or by permit only). Admission is free. Open daily, dawn to dusk.
Located 6 miles southeast of Las Vegas via Hwy 104 and 281. Las
Vegas, NM.
(505) 425-3581
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LORDSBURG
- Red Rock Wildlife Area
Desert bighorn sheep, javelina. Located 25 miles north of Lordsburg
via US 70 and NM 464,
make a right on Game Department Road, Lordsburg, NM.
(505) 827-9904 or (505) 542-9760
- El Rincón del Oso
Plata
265 bird species, 67
mammal species, 66 reptiles & amphibians & regional flora
and fauna.
25 miles northeast of Lordsburg, NM.
(505) 542-9705
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MAXWELL
- Maxwell National Wildlife Refuge
More than 3,000 acres of gently
rolling prairie, playa lakes, and farmland for waterfowl, at
an altitude of 6,050 feet. From Raton, take I-25 south to Maxwell,
go north on State Highway 445 .8 mile and west on State Highway
505 approximately 2.5 miles. Turn north at entrance sign (1.5
miles to headquarters).
(505) 375-2331
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PECOS
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PORTALES
- Grulla National Wildlife Refuge
Hike or just view lesser sandhill cranes and shorebirds. There
are 3,236 of grasslands and salt beds. Located 20 miles east
of Portales via NM 88. Portales, NM. Visit other web sites
about Grula: Site
1
(800) 946-3341
- Prairie Chicken Wildlife
Area
Wildlife viewing available. West of Portales, near Milnesand,
NM.
(505) 624-6135
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QUESTA
- Uracca State Wildlife Area
14,000 acres of wildlife area of mostly elk and deer habitat.
Wildlife viewing is available here. Located 16 miles north of
Questa, NM on NM 522. New
Mexico Department of Game and Fish (800) 862-9310
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RATON
- Sugarite Canyon State Park "Land
of Many Birds"
Wildlife viewing of the black bear occurs throughout the park.
Other wildlife that can be viewed here: bobcat, beaver, porcupine,
striped skunk, barn swallow, spotted towhee and much more. To
get there from Raton, take I-25 exit 452 to NM 72. Travel east
about seven miles to the junction of NM 526. Take the left fork
which goes uphill. Continue on to the visitor's center and beyond
to access the lakes. Sugarite Canyon State Park, New Mexico Park
and Recreation Division: (505) 445-5607
- Capulin
Volcano National Monument
Mammals, birds, reptiles, wildflowers, and other species make
their home here. Capulin Volcano National Monument lies within
a triangle formed by the towns of Folsom, Des Moines, and Capulin,
about 30 miles east of Raton. The entrance to the monument lies
three miles north of the junction of US Highway 64/87 and NM
Highway 325. For more information call the Capulin Volcano National
Monument: (505) 278-2201.
Visit another web site about Capulin: Site
1
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ROSWELL
- Chihuahuan Wildlife Mescalero
Sands Recreation Area
This site offers viewing
of the courtship ritual of the prairie chicken. Other animals
may be viewed here as well. From downtown Roswell, take U.S.
Highway 380 east for 46 miles to the
Mescalero Sands Recreation Area on south side of highway, then
proceed 2 miles east to the Walldrip Rest Area. Turn left (north)
immediately across from the rest area to enter the Caprock Wildlife
Habitat Area.
Bureau of Land Management (505) 627-0270
- Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge
Many species of migratory waterfowl migrate here during both
spring and fall migrations.
From Roswell, take Highway 285 north to Pine Lodge Road, head
east on Pine Lodge Road approximately 9 miles to headquarters.
Visit other web sites about the wildlife habitat: Site
1
(505) 622-6755
- Bottomless Lakes State Park
Seven sinkhole lakes make up this state park. Wildlife viewing
of migratory waterfowl and
occasional year-round viewing of the roadrunner, jackrabbit,
mule deer, and raccoon.
Travel 12 miles east of Roswell on U.S. Highway 380 to top of
bluff, then turn south onto New Mexico Highway 409 and travel
about 3 miles to state park entrance. To reach Overflow Wetlands,
go to Lea Lake area of the park and continue south for 3.5 miles.
Turn right onto a dirt road for 1.75 miles and park.
New Mexico Park & Recreation Division (505) 624-6058
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SILVER CITY
- Fort Bayard Wildlife Refuge
10 miles east of Silver City, off US 180.
Fort Bayard, NM
(505) 388-8201
- Chihuahuan Wildlife Heart
Bar Riparian Area
Displays a great variety of wildlife animal activity such as
black-headed grosbeak, yellow-breasted chat, mallard, common
merganser, rail species, soda, various warblers, also beaver
and muskrat. Sporadic year-round viewing of bobcat, gray fox,
wild turkey, and coyote; rare sightings of mountain lion. Take
New Mexico Highway 15 north of Silver City about 30 miles. Look
for the tiny settlement of Gila Hot Springs, and start counting
mileage from the Gila Hot Springs Store. Continue 1.3 miles north
of the store to sign for Little Creek. Just past sign, pull off
road on right and look for a trail encircling the pond. Another
1.5 miles north along NM 15 look for a dirt track to the right,
just beyond mile marker 41; the track is flanked by wooden poles
on each side.
New Mexico Dept. of Game and Fish (505) 827-7911
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SOCORRO
- Bosque Del Apache National Wildlife Refuge
The Bosque Del Apache National Wildlife Refuge occupies marsh,
grasslands and desert uplands that are a habitat for whooping
cranes, snow geese, ducks, and more than 300 other bird species.
From Socorro, take Interstate 25 south to exit 139 (San Antonio).
Drive 8 miles south on New Mexico Highway 1 from village of San
Antonio. Approaching refuge from the south, take freeway exit
124 (San Marcial) and go 9 miles north on NM 1 to entrance.
(505) 835-1828
- Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge
A variety of wildlife can be seen on the 22 mile loop driving
tour.
Located between Belen & Socorro in La Joya, NM
(505) 835-0424
Visit other web sites about this wildlife refuge: Site
1
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TAOS
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TAOS SKI VALLEY
- Wheeler Peak Wilderness Area
In Carson National Forest. 13,161-foot-high Wheeler Peak. Hiking,
horseback riding, mountain biking, llama trekking.
(505) 992-7669
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TIERRA AMARILLA
- Río Chama State Wildlife
and Fishing Area
13,000 acres provide
access to 12 miles of Río Chama and El Vado Lake. Two
miles west of Tierra Amarilla on NM 112. (505) 827-7882
or New Mexico Department
of Game and Fish (800) 862-9310
- Hopewell Lake
Wildlife viewing. Located 27 miles
east on US 64, in the San Juan Mountains between Tres Piedras
and Tierra Amarilla.
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TRES PIEDRAS
- San Antonio Mountain
This wildlife area is home to one of the state's largest elk
herds. Wildlife viewing is available and includes: mountain bluebirds,
rough-legged hawks and golden eagles. Located in Carson National
Forest, north of Tres Piedras. New
Mexico Department of Game and Fish (800) 862-9310
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TRUTH OR CONSEQUENCES
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TUCUMCARI
- Tucumcari Wildlife Management
Area
Wildlife viewing along natural prairie lake. In Tucumcari along
Main Street
(505) 461-1694
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