THE DAILY WIRE · NEW MEXICO, USA · 2026-08-21
Opposable Thumbs Not Required: New Mexico Bear Masters Gate Latch
A bear in Northern New Mexico has been documented opening a residential gate without any apparent assistance, a development homeowners are calling alarming and this columnist is calling an HR problem for the region's fencing industry.
Per the report, the bear was recorded manipulating the gate's latch mechanism to let itself onto the property, raising questions about containment measures previously assumed adequate for wildlife. No injuries were reported, and the bear reportedly left the way it came in — through the gate, properly, unlike most of its species.
This desk located Rosa, a local roadrunner who witnessed the incident from a nearby fence post and offered her account of the bear's technique, delivered with the smugness of an animal that has never needed a gate in its life.
Rosa's testimony suggests the bear's method was neither rushed nor particularly stealthy, more a leisurely Tuesday errand than a break-in. Wildlife officials have not indicated whether the gate will be reinforced, though this columnist suspects the bear has already clocked the new lock, if any.
In New Mexico, it seems, even the wildlife has learned to let itself in. Homeowners are advised to start locking up — and possibly reconsidering who actually holds the deed.
“That bear didn't even run, just strolled in like he paid rent. I've watched coyotes try that gate for years and fail — turns out all it takes is patience and a thumb apparently nobody counted on.” — Rosa, local roadrunner
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