← Help in Grant County

Saw a bear, mountain lion, rattlesnake or other dangerous animal

Use when someone meets a bear, mountain lion, rattlesnake, javelina or coyote in town, at a camp or on a trail, or one is getting into trash or near people.

In danger right now: call 911. Crisis or thoughts of suicide: call or text 988. Not sure where to start? Call the Silver City Gospel Mission: 575-388-5071. Police, fire or sheriff, not an emergency: 575-388-8840 (Central Dispatch). Print our list of phone numbers →
These are the same steps our staff use when they help someone. "They" means the person who needs help: you, or someone you are helping. Go in order, and call ahead when you can.

1If an animal is attacking or about to

Call 911 if an animal is attacking, has hurt someone, or won't leave and is putting people in danger.
911 (Grant County Regional Dispatch)
Emergency: police, fire, ambulance
911
Silver City · 24/7
Bear: back away slowly, talk in a calm, firm voice, and don't run. If a black bear attacks, fight back hard.
Mountain lion: don't run. Stand tall, raise your arms, open your jacket, yell, and pick up small children. If it attacks, fight back.
Rattlesnake: freeze, find where it is, then back away slowly. Give it at least 6 feet. Never try to kill or move it.
Javelina or coyote: make noise, wave your arms, and give it a way to leave. Keep pets on a leash.
For any bite, use the guide "Bitten by a snake, dog or other animal, or stung by a scorpion or spider".

2Animal keeps coming back to town or camp

Bears and other animals come back for food. Keep food, trash and pet food locked up or inside. Don't feed wildlife.
If you sleep outside, keep food away from where you sleep, in a sealed container.
Report wild animals that keep coming around people to New Mexico Game and Fish.
For loose or dangerous dogs and other animals in town, call animal control.
Town of Silver City - Code Enforcement / Animal Control
Code enforcement and animal control (report)
575-388-8840
Silver City · 24/7
Grant County Regional Dispatch Authority
Non-emergency dispatch (police, sheriff, fire)
575-388-8840
Silver City · 24/7

This guide is general information only, not medical, legal or other professional advice. Places and rules change, so please call before you go. In an emergency, call 911; in a mental health crisis, call or text 988. Disclaimer

Know a better way? Is something out of date?

If a number or place here is wrong, you know a better resource, or you know a better way to help, tell us. We automatically check reliable sources and update supported routine details. Unclear changes and safety guidance go to our staff for review.

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Print these steps · Find more places to get help · Hours and numbers change; please call ahead. Something wrong? Tell us
Questions, or want someone to walk through this with you? The Silver City Gospel Mission, 111 S. Texas St., Silver City, 575-388-5071, weekdays 9:00am-1:45pm. Everyone is welcome.