LAS CRUCES, N.M. (AP) — Researchers at New Mexico State University are working to better estimate how many black bears there are in New Mexico.

University officials say researchers this summer will set bear rubs and hair traps to collect samples from bears in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains in northern New Mexico and the Sacramento Mountains in south-central New Mexico.

The genetic data from the hair collected from the noninvasive traps enables the researchers to estimated bear abundance across the state. That makes it easier for officials to set hunting quotas.

The data collection is in its third and final year.

The hair is collected through traps designed to catch bear hair from trees or structures they rub against.