GLADSTONE, NEW MEXICO, July 23 (Amarillo Times) — A bear perched on top of a utility pole near Gladstone, New Mexico, died after the animal was reported to state wildlife officials and local responders, the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish said.
The agency said it was notified about 10 a.m. Monday, July 20, and told the reporting party to leave the bear alone so it could come down on its own. It also asked local dispatch to relay that message, according to the agency statement quoted by USA TODAY.
The department said people stopped near the pole to film and take pictures while the bear remained at the top. Officials including the Union County Sheriff’s Office, a power company and wildlife conservation officers were notified, but the animal sustained fatal injuries before they arrived.
Video verified by Storyful showed the bear on the pole above the ground. Audio in the clip captured a 911 caller reporting the animal and a dispatcher warning that tranquilizing it while it was on the pole could cause it to fall.
Some secondary reports described the death as electrocution, but the state agency’s statement quoted by USA TODAY said only that the bear suffered fatal injuries before responders arrived.
