Bear dies after getting stuck on utility pole as rescue deemed too risky

A bear that got stranded on top of a utility pole in rural New Mexico has died after being electrocuted, bringing a tragic end to an incident that quickly went viral online.

The animal was spotted on July 20 near Gladstone, with video showing it perched on the crossarm of the pole while struggling to stay balanced several feet above the ground.

The footage was captured by drivers going by, including Robin Dawson, who shared footage on Facebook.

“On the road between Clayton and Springer we ran across this! We notified the authorities, no one had called them! Don’t know how long he’d been there but he’s a BIG BEAR!” Dawson said,

Rescue too risky to get bear down

Another video also includes audio from a 911 call, with a passerby telling emergency dispatchers: “I’m calling to report a bear on top of a light pole.”

Dispatchers said wildlife officials had already been alerted to the situation but explained that using a tranquilizer while the bear remained on the pole could have caused it to fall.

The New York Post later reported that the animal was electrocuted before a rescue could be carried out.

Dawson said on his Facebook post, “Bear died, he was electrocuted! I just talked to fish and game out of Raton the lady was quite rude. Said people wouldn’t quit stopping and taking pictures and the bear was scared. Said they weren’t responding but the power company was headed out to shut off the power but didn’t make it in time.”

According to Fox News, wildlife experts say bears can climb utility poles when startled by people, traffic, or dogs, using them as they would a tree to escape danger.

While this encounter ended tragically, another bear found itself in a similar predicament in Arizona in 2021 and was safely brought back to the ground by wildlife officials.