Bear dies after climbing on top of telephone pole in Clayton, New Mexico

Digital Assignment Editor

On Monday morning, the New Mexico Department of Wildlife was notified of a bear that had climbed on top of a power pole east of Gladstone, New Mexico.

The person who called and reported the sighting was informed to let the bear come down on its own, and local dispatch instructed residents to leave the bear alone.

The bear remained on top of the pole while some members of the public continued to stop next to the pole to film and take pictures.

Union County Sheriff’s Office was notified, but the bear unfortunately sustained fatal injuries before they arrived.

The public is reminded to leave wildlife alone when encountering them.

There are several safety measures that the public can take in order to keep themselves safe and prevent potentially dangerous encounters: 

• 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 can protect their livestock, as well as beehives and bird feeders, by erecting fencing that keeps bears out of their enclosures. Electric fencing has proven to be an effective deterrent while not causing long-term harm to bears. 

Homeowners in bear country are encouraged to take the following steps to keep themselves, their property and their pets safe: 

• 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 birdseed 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.