Bear Electrocuted on Power Pole in New Mexico As Viral Video Raises Questions Over Rescue Response
A black bear died after being electrocuted while perched on top of an electrical pole in northeastern New Mexico, according to eyewitness accounts and videos shared on social media. The incident, which occurred on the road between Clayton and Springer, has sparked criticism over the response from authorities after footage of the stranded bear went viral online.
A black bear died after being electrocuted while perched on top of an electrical pole in northeastern New Mexico, according to eyewitness accounts and videos shared on social media. The incident, which occurred on the road between Clayton and Springer, has sparked criticism over the response from authorities after footage of the stranded bear went viral online.
Several motorists spotted the bear clinging to the utility pole near live electrical wires and alerted authorities. Videos circulating on social media showed the animal stranded high above the ground with no obvious route to safety.
Witnesses Say Authorities Were Not Immediately Responding
One witness, Robin Dawson, said they contacted authorities after coming across the bear and later shared updates on social media. According to Dawson, officials said the power company had been notified to shut off electricity to the pole, but the response came too late.
Dawson also alleged that no wildlife officials arrived at the scene while the bear remained on the pole. These claims have not been independently verified.
Bear Dies After Being Electrocuted on Power Pole in New Mexico
Bear Reportedly Electrocuted
According to Dawson, the bear eventually came into contact with live wires and was electrocuted. Dawson further claimed that officials suggested the presence of onlookers may have frightened the animal, contributing to the incident. Viral Video Shows Black Bear Walking Off With Golf Clubs at British Columbia Course.
Authorities have not publicly confirmed those allegations or provided an official account detailing the sequence of events that led to the bear's death. Arizona: Bear Walks Into Grocery Store, Checks Out Produce Before Leaving in Oro Valley; Video Surfaces.
Similar Incidents Have Happened Before
Bears climbing utility poles have been reported in parts of Arizona and New Mexico in recent years. In some previous cases, utility workers coordinated with wildlife officials to safely rescue the animals by temporarily shutting off power before bringing them back to the ground.
The latest incident has prompted renewed discussion on emergency response protocols for wildlife stranded in hazardous locations and the coordination between utility companies and wildlife agencies during such emergencies.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 23, 2026 08:18 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).