CUBA, N.M. (KRQE) – Spring brings the annual calving season for elk in New Mexico. To protect the animals, forest officials are closing Forest Road 69.
The road reaches into the Santa Fe National Forest. It will be closed to all vehicles from May 15 to June 30.
“Visitors can still walk in the area, but we ask you to be respectful around our elk during this critical herd-sustaining process,” Cuba District Ranger Patrick M. Petracca said in a press release.
Landowners accessing private property are exempt from the closure, the U.S. Forest Service says. Non-exempt individuals could face a fine or imprisonment for violating the closure order.
Vehicles and disturbances can cause mothers to abandon their calves, the Forest Service says. Mothers and calves need to stay together for about 10 days after birth in order to develop successfully.