Bear climbs utility poles in southern Arizona

DOUGLAS, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - Bear with us as part of U.S. Highway 191 was briefly closed last Sunday after a bear climbed a power pole.

The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFDP) in Tucson shared photos of a bear that had climbed two utility poles. AzFamily reported police received a call about a bear sighting near East 12th Street and G Avenue. A police officer said, "It was up on one pole, then came down and went up a second one nearby."

Part of US Hwy 191 was briefly closed Sun. am while AZGFD Tucson, Douglas PD, Cochise SO and US Border Patrol drove off a bear that had climbed two utility poles. Two dozen onlookers scattered when the bear climbed down on its own. AZPS stood by, as the bear risked electrocution. pic.twitter.com/RkL2W197Cw

— AZ Game & Fish Dept (@azgfdTucson) May 9, 2021

AZGFD and other crew members waited to see how they could get the bear down. Power company crews also stood by in case the bear got electrocuted.

The bear thankfully got down on his own and off into the wilderness without getting hurt.