Bear dies after getting stranded on utility pole in New Mexico

A New Mexico community was in for an unusual sight this week when travelers spotted a bear stranded on top of a utility pole. 

According to the New Mexico Department of Wildlife, they were called to the location in Gladstone, New Mexico around 10 a.m. on Monday. 

What they're saying:

Shannon Mullens told Storyful she was driving along Highway 56 from Red River, New Mexico, to Oklahoma when she spotted the bear.

"We really didn’t believe what we saw at first, so we turned around to get another look," Mullens said. "At first, we thought that the bear was dead, until we got closer to it and then we realized that he was still alive."

Local dispatchers told onlookers to leave the bear alone so that it could come down on its own, but a number of people continued to take video and pictures, authorities say. 

A Union County sheriff’s deputy, a representative from the power company and conservation officers were notified to respond to the location, but the bear sustained fatal injuries prior to their arrival. 

Bear safety tips

New Mexico Department of Wildlife wanted to remind the public of several safety measures when encountering bears:

• Never feed or approach bears. Feeding bears (intentionally or unintentionally) trains them to approach homes and people for more food. Bears will defend themselves if a person gets too close, so don’t risk your safety and theirs! 
• Secure food, garbage and recycling. Food and food odors attract bears so don’t reward them with easily available food or garbage. 
• Remove bird feeders when bears are active. Birdseed and other grains have a high caloric content, making them very attractive to bears. The best way to avoid conflicts with bears is to remove feeders. 
• Never leave pet food outside. Feed outdoor pets portion sizes that will be completely eaten during each meal and then remove leftover food and food bowls. Securely store these foods so nothing is available to bears. 
• Clean and store grills. After you use an outdoor grill, clean it thoroughly and make sure that all grease and fat are removed. Store cleaned grills and smokers in a secure area that keeps bears out. 
• Let neighbors know. Share with your friends and neighbors news about recent bear activity and how to avoid bear conflicts. Bears have adapted to living near people. Are you willing to adapt to living near bears? 

Property owners are also reminded to take precautions for their property and pets. 

• Garbage: Store it in closed, sturdy cans kept inside a secure garage. Do not put out garbage the night before a scheduled pickup.  
• Pet food: Feed pets indoors. Store food in secure metal cans inside a sturdy shed or garage. Make sure the garage door is closed at night.  
• Bird feeders: Set out only enough bird seed to last throughout the day. Hummingbird feeders must be brought inside at night. Hang bird feeders from trees, not on the porch or from house rafters.  
• Fruit trees: Plant fruit trees away from your house. Fruit should be picked as it ripens. Spoiled fruit that falls to the ground should be removed, because it will attract bears.  
• Woodpiles: Keep woodpiles away from the house. It attracts rodents, which bears eat.  
• Compost piles: Keep piles away from the house. Do not add melon rinds or other fragrant fruits.  
• Beehives and chicken pens: Livestock and beehives should be kept away from your house.   
• Barbecues: Clean after each use, and store in a closed sturdy shed or garage.  

New Mexico