VIDEO: Black Bear plays in the snow in northern New Mexico

(KRQE) – A black bear in northern New Mexico was seen on video having some fun in the winter weather the state recently experienced.

Story continues below

Podcast: More Seniors & Fewer Children: The Future of New Mexico

Crime: Albuquerque man with lengthy criminal history back behind bars

Community: Holiday film, created in New Mexico, premieres at beginning of December

News: New Mexico cannabis industry may soon experience major shift in policy enforcement

KRQE News 13 viewer Jason Rutman shared a video that showed the bear playing in the snow in Colfax County, about 25 miles west of Raton, on Sunday. In the video, the bear could be seen rolling on its back, tumbling down a small hill, picking up snow with its paws, and even climbing on some trees.

"It was a really, really unique experience. I hadn't seen a bear for about two and a half months prior to this. And so it was exciting to see one that was plump for winter and having a good time just enjoying the fresh snow," said Rutman.

Rutman told KRQE that he was driving on Highway 555 when he caught the bear in action. "I see a big plume of snow go flying up on my left side. And so I hit the brakes, look over, and sure enough, there's the bear just rolling around throwing snow up into the air," Rutman explained.

He then pulled over and started filming the bear on his phone. "I thought the video was a lot of fun, and I hope that it brings some joy and happiness to other people because watching animals in their natural habitat is a really, really special experience. And when they're enjoying life, just as we are, it's really incredible," Rutman said.

Black bears are commonly found in forested areas in New Mexico, according to the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish.

If you have any photos or videos you would like to share with KRQE News 13, send us an email using the address below.