‘Professional bear huggers’? New Mexico agency tries cuddly approach to fill job
One New Mexico agency is looking to hire “professional bear huggers” — kind of.
The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish sure got people’s attention with its Facebook post about a job listing on March 13, which included cuddly and adorable baby bear photos.
“Now hiring professional bear huggers,” the wildlife agency wrote. “Must have ability to hike in strenuous conditions, have the courage to crawl into a bear den, and have the trust in your coworkers to keep you safe during the process.”
Really, the agency is looking to hire conservation officers, also known as fish and game wardens. They patrol state land and water and enforce game and fish laws, in addition to educating the public about wildlife.
They also capture “problem animals” and help with the relocation of wildlife when needed.
The agency decided to have some fun with its listing, adding that the job will be an “experience of a lifetime.”
Wildlife officers are seen in the photos holding a baby bear after the agency said they had to crawl into a bear’s den during a research project in northern New Mexico.
Another photo shows an officer head first in the snowy den.
The deadline to apply for a conservation officer position in New Mexico is March 30.
“P.S. we do not recommend crawling into bear dens,” the agency wrote.
This story was originally published March 13, 2023 at 4:18 PM with the headline "‘Professional bear huggers’? New Mexico agency tries cuddly approach to fill job."
