A bear died from electrocution after climbing a pole in a rural area in the US state of New Mexico, in an incident that spread on social media before ending tragically.

The video showed the bear struggling to maintain its balance and whimpering while sitting on the wooden crossbar of the pole.

The video included a recording of a call to emergency services where a passerby reported the rare scene. Authorities said at the time that sedating the animal at that height would have caused it to fall and lose its life.

The New York Post quoted sources saying that the bear suffered a fatal electric shock before rescue teams could reach it and safely remove it.

👮‍♂️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

— 👮‍♂️🚒 Tales of Badge & Blaze™ (@ScottEnlow) July 21, 2026

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Language experts point out that bears may resort to climbing power poles as an alternative to trees to escape danger when panicked by traffic or the presence of humans and dogs.

"Straw bears" storm the streets of Cambridge County

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"Straw bears" storm the streets of Cambridge County