Video of a bear lying atop a utility pole in New Mexico has gone viral for obvious reasons.
The adventurous bear was recorded on Monday in New Gladstone, New Mexico, and the video was quickly shared on X and other social media platforms.
The Department of the Interior even made a playful remark and reposted the video: “We appreciate the enthusiasm for American Energy Dominance, but this isn’t what we meant,” the Dept. quipped.
There had presumably been numerous calls to 911 from travelers who spotted the odd scene.
“Are you calling about a bear?” the 911 dispatcher said to a caller after they revealed their location.
911 operator: “911 what is your emergency?”
Caller: “I’m calling to report a bear on top of a light pole.” pic.twitter.com/8g07ibZupQ
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Tales of Badge & Blaze
(@ScottEnlow) July 21, 2026
As previously mentioned, the video captured the attention of millions of social media users:
I bet his view is incredible from up there.
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“Just leave it be”
ugh, okay if you say so. I was just fixing to do something about it, too
— Enigmartyr
(@enigmartyr) July 22, 2026
Ummm, How about if the power company sends out a truck with a bucket and a guy with a tranq gun. They could put a trampoline thing like they use for fires so when it drops, they can catch it. That’s horrible to let it sit there and suffer.
— Hulashack (@HulasShack) July 22, 2026
Easier said than done. That looks like a BIG bear.
The chances of seeing a bear atop a telephone pole are indeed slim… but never zero.
— Martydamus (@martydamus) July 22, 2026
Apparently!
Bears are great tree climbers. I’m sure he could get down easily enough.
I was just worried about it getting electrocuted.— Lamont Cranston (@DurkMuzzie) July 22, 2026
Sadly, those worries came true. The situation didn’t end well for the poor bear, and it was reportedly electrocuted before the pole could be de-energized.
A similar incident from 2025 in Cochise Co, Arizona, ended on a happier note when hero lineman Werner Neubauer de-energized the pole and used a fiberglass stick to coax a bear down to safety.
