Federal authorities have ordered the closure of parts of Santa Fe National Forest to protect a tiny mouse that recently won endangered species protections.
The U.S. Forest Service ordered last week the immediate closure of four pockets in the Jemez Mountains, including a spot near a campground. All activities are prohibited within the closure area.
Violators could have fines up to $5,000.
Forest Service officials have already closed off some other areas this year to prevent damage to the habitat of the New Mexico meadow jumping mouse under the Endangered Species Act.
A proposal by federal wildlife managers also calls for setting aside as critical habitat nearly 200 miles along streams and wetlands in a dozen counties in New Mexico and parts of Arizona and Colorado.
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