A bear in rural New Mexico recently became the focus of a viral video as it climbed to the top of a utility pole. This incident, recorded near Gladstone, about 170 miles east of Santa Fe, gained widespread attention after the bear later died following the encounter.
The video, captured on a Monday, shows the bear balancing precariously on the crossarm of a utility pole. It appears somewhat distressed, panting heavily as it tries to maintain its position high above the ground.
The U.S. Department of the Interior shared the video, adding a humorous comment, “We appreciate the enthusiasm for American Energy Dominance, but this isn’t what we meant.” The comment highlights the unusual nature of the incident.
The footage, confirmed by Storyful, includes audio from a 911 call reporting the bizarre scene. A caller notified the dispatcher about the bear’s location. The dispatcher mentioned that state officials were aware of the situation, but tranquilizing the animal was risky because it could fall.
Shannon Mullens, who recorded the video, was traveling on Highway 56 from Red River, New Mexico, to Oklahoma. Mullens initially thought the bear was dead, prompting her family to turn around for another look. Upon closer inspection, they realized the bear was still alive.
Unfortunately, the bear was electrocuted before wildlife officials could intervene, as reported by the New York Post. Experts note bears may climb utility poles when startled by people, traffic, or dogs, seeing them as a refuge akin to trees.
In a contrasting incident in Arizona in 2021, wildlife officials successfully rescued a bear from a utility pole. This shows the varying outcomes of such encounters.
Brittany Miller, a Fox News Digital breaking news writer and Syracuse University graduate, contributed to this story.