heartbreaking update on story of bear stuck on top of telephone pole
The bear was first noticed on July 20, Monday, perching many feet above the ground on a utility pole near Highway 56 close to Clayton. Shannon Mullens, along with her family, was traveling in the area when they mistakenly thought they spotted a deceased animal. After turning back for a closer look, they realized the bear was alive but appeared to be exhausted and in distress.
Mullens reached out to the authorities and the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish, while other drivers paused to capture images of the unusual sight. Videos showcasing the bear quickly circulated on social media, gaining significant attention and raising concerns regarding its welfare.
Bear’s Struggle on Utility Pole
Many observers wondered why rescue teams could not simply sedate the bear and safely bring it down. However, wildlife specialists pointed out that this approach could be very risky. Being so high up, sedation would likely have caused the bear to lose consciousness swiftly, which could have led to a fatal plunge from its perch.
Instead, officials hoped the bear would descend naturally once the area became quieter. Bears often climb trees and structures when scared, and experts indicated that the presence of traffic, barking dogs, and crowds of onlookers may have kept the animal stuck in that position.
Sadly, as more news about the bear spread, additional people reportedly gathered along the highway to observe, take photos, and film. This increased activity likely frightened the bear further, making its safe descent even more challenging.
The presence of live electrical lines around the bear complicated the situation. For utility workers to intervene safely, power would have had to be cut, and emergency responders would need to plan the rescue carefully to avoid agitating the bear.
Ultimately, the exhausted bear made an attempt to climb down from the pole. Unfortunately, in doing so, it came into contact with live electrical equipment and was electrocuted. The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish later confirmed that the animal had died.
Many individuals who had been following the bear’s plight online were heartbroken by this news and had hoped for a rescue. Some expressed frustration at authorities for not taking additional measures, while others criticized the gatherings of curious spectators.
One person remarked, "There was never any plan to cut the power. All the involved agencies chose to leave it alone to resolve the situation. I understand they couldn’t do much at that height, but at the very least, they should have cut the power in my opinion." Another person questioned, "We can land rockets but can’t assist a bear stuck on a pole?"
This incident underscores the challenges wildlife officials face. While the public might assume that tranquilizing the animal would solve the problem, experts argue that sedation from such heights can pose significant dangers, as the animal could fall before help arrives.
Similar situations have had differing outcomes in the past. Back in 2021, a young black bear got stuck on a 40-foot power pole in Willcox, Arizona, near a high-voltage power line. In that instance, officials managed to cut off the electricity, allowing a utility worker to safely coax the bear down.
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