Bear that climbed up power pole dies, New Mexico Department of Wildlife confirms

A black bear in northern New Mexico has died after climbing a power pole. The New Mexico Department of Wildlife first received reports of the bear east of Gladstone on Monday morning at approximately 10 a.m. Authorities requested that people nearby leave the area to allow the animal a clear path to descend safely on its own.

Despite clear instructions from local officials to avoid the location, members of the public continued to stop near the structure. Many individuals stayed to film and take pictures of the bear while it remained at the top of the pole. The presence of these onlookers prevented the bear from climbing down.

A Union County sheriff’s deputy, local power company representatives, and state conservation officers arrived at the scene. Unfortunately, the bear sustained fatal injuries before these teams could initiate a rescue or dispersal operation. The department confirmed the animal did not survive the encounter.

This incident serves as a reminder that wildlife needs space to function. State officials emphasize that approaching or gathering near wild animals often prevents them from acting naturally. When people crowd these animals, they often become trapped in dangerous positions like this power pole. The New Mexico Department of Wildlife maintains that observing from a distance is the only responsible way to interact with local wildlife.