A bear that climbed to the top of a utility pole in rural New Mexico became the subject of a viral video recorded on Monday, July 20th, 2026, near Gladstone, roughly 170 miles east of Santa Fe. The footage shows the bear precariously perched on the crossarm of the utility pole, panting and struggling to maintain its balance high above the ground.

The video, captured by a passing motorist and verified by Storyful, also includes audio from a 911 caller reporting the unusual sight, saying, "I'm calling to report a bear on top of a light pole." Witnesses initially thought the bear was dead but realized it was still alive upon closer inspection.

The Department of the Interior re-shared the video on Wednesday, July 22nd, 2026, with a joking comment: "We appreciate the enthusiasm for American Energy Dominance, but this isn't what we meant."

According to a report by the New York Post, the bear was electrocuted and died before wildlife officials could safely rescue it. The Department of the Interior and the New Mexico Department of Wildlife did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

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