Overview
- The bear, which climbed to the crossarm of a utility pole near Gladstone on Monday, July 20, was filmed by passing motorists who called 911.
- Dispatchers and wildlife officials told callers that tranquilizing or forcing the bear down could cause it to fall and be seriously injured, so they declined an on-pole rescue.
- The New Mexico Department of Fish and Wildlife confirmed the animal was fatally electrocuted before crews could safely shut off power or remove it.
- The video went viral and was reshared by the U.S. Department of the Interior, and witnesses said some bystanders stopped to film instead of leaving the scene as advised.
- Wildlife experts say bears will climb poles like trees when startled and authorities urged residents to secure food, garbage, pet food and bird feeders to prevent similar dangerous encounters.