[3] Due to the absence of major light pollution, the Bear Mountains provide outstanding stargazing opportunities.
As Robert Juylan points out in The Mountains of New Mexico, the range is rather popular among birdwatchers because of the various springs in the region.
[4] As with other mountain ranges in west-central New Mexico, the variations in elevation result in diverse vegetative types.
Scrubland, pinyon-juniper woodland, Gambel oak, mountain mahogany and grassland areas are all represented.
Wildlife includes mountain lion, pronghorn, mule deer, black bear, and coyote as well as numerous bird species.