Black bear climbs utility pole in New Mexico, later dies before rescue attempt
A black bear that climbed onto a utility pole in rural New Mexico was filmed balancing on the structure before it later died after being electrocuted, according to reports. Wildlife officials said rescuing the animal while it remained on the pole posed safety risks.
A black bear that climbed to the top of a utility pole in rural New Mexico, United States, became the subject of a viral video before later dying following the unusual encounter.
The incident occurred near Gladstone, New Mexico, on Monday (20 July 2026), with footage showing the bear perched on the crossarm of the utility pole while appearing to pant and struggle to maintain its balance above the ground.
The video, verified by Storyful, also captured audio from a 911 call made by a person reporting the unusual sight.
Bear spotted on utility pole
“I’m calling to report a bear on top of a light pole,” the caller was heard telling a dispatcher.
The dispatcher said state officials had already been notified but explained that attempting to tranquilise the bear while it remained on the pole could cause it to fall and suffer further harm.
Shannon Mullens, who recorded the footage, told Storyful that she and her family spotted the bear while travelling along Highway 56 from Red River, New Mexico, to Oklahoma.
Mullens said they initially believed the animal was dead before turning back to take another look.
“We really didn’t believe what we saw at first, so we turned around to get another look,” she said.
Rescue attempt complicated by safety risks
Wildlife officials faced difficulties in attempting to safely remove the bear from the utility pole due to the height of the structure and the risks associated with the animal falling after being sedated.
Experts have noted that bears may climb structures such as utility poles when startled by people, vehicles or other perceived threats, treating them similarly to trees when attempting to escape danger.
A similar incident in Arizona in 2021 ended differently, when wildlife officials successfully rescued a bear that had climbed a utility pole.
Bear later dies
According to reports, the bear was later electrocuted and died before wildlife officials could safely intervene.
The incident has since attracted widespread attention online, with viewers sharing footage of the unusual sighting and discussing the challenges involved in responding to wildlife encounters in populated areas.
