Archive · 24 Jul 2026
Black Bear Electrocuted on Power Pole in New Mexico
A black bear in New Mexico got stuck on a very high electric pole.
People saw the bear and called for help, but the authorities said to leave it alone.
The bear was very scared and tired, but no one could help it.
Sadly, the bear got electrocuted because it was too close to the wires.
The bear's body was found on the ground later.
Bears usually live in the mountains, but sometimes they wander far from home.
A black bear was electrocuted after getting stranded on a high-voltage power pole in rural New Mexico on July 20.
Passersby reported the incident to emergency services, but authorities instructed them to leave the bear alone.
The bear was seen panting heavily near wires carrying 7,200 volts, 22 feet off the ground.
Despite public concern and documentation, no immediate intervention was made, and the bear was later found dead.
Black bears in New Mexico vary in color and typically live in densely forested mountain regions, but younger bears often stray from these areas.
- Who
- A black bear, passersby including Shannon Mullens and Robin Dawson, New Mexico Fish and Wildlife, utility crew, Sheriff Curtis Skaggs
- What
- A black bear was electrocuted after getting stranded on a high-voltage power pole
- When
- Monday, July 20
- Where
- Rural New Mexico
- Why
- The bear strayed from its typical habitat and got stranded on a power pole, leading to its electrocution
Public Concern and Intervention
Authorities' Non-Intervention Approach
Public Involvement
Public Concern and Intervention
Passersby reported the incident and expressed concern for the bear's well-being, with some attempting to document the situation.
Authorities' Non-Intervention Approach
Authorities instructed the public to leave the bear alone, emphasizing that it would come down on its own.
- Date
- Monday, July 20
- Location
- Rural New Mexico
- Voltage of Power Lines
- 7,200 volts
- Height of Bear on Pole
- 22 feet
- Bear's Condition
- Alive but in distress, later electrocuted
- Authorities Involved
- New Mexico Fish and Wildlife, Utility Crew, Sheriff's Deputy
- Bear's Typical Habitat
- Densely forested mountain regions
- Common Bear Colors in New Mexico
- Black, brown, reddish, blonde, cinnamon