A shocking video has emerged from rural New Mexico, capturing the final moments of a bear that inexplicably climbed to the perilous heights of a utility pole near Gladstone. The footage, shared widely and even humorously acknowledged by the U.S. Department of the Interior, shows the distressed animal precariously balanced on the crossarm, panting and struggling to maintain its footing hundreds of feet above the ground. Initially mistaken for a deceased animal by passing motorists, including the video’s recorder Shannon Mullens, the bear’s precarious situation was confirmed as it remained alive but trapped. A 911 caller reported the bizarre sight, with dispatchers indicating that state officials were aware but faced a dilemma: tranquilizing the animal atop the pole risked a fatal fall. Tragically, before any safe rescue could be executed, the bear reportedly suffered a fatal electrocution, a grim end to its unusual and dangerous climb, which wildlife experts suggest can be an escape response to perceived threats like people or dogs, treating the poles like trees.
Adapted from: U.S. News Today on Fox News
