In an unusual and heartwarming incident in Wilcox, Arizona, utility workers became unexpected heroes when they rescued a young brown bear stuck atop a utility pole. The bear, weighing around 100 pounds, found itself in a precarious situation, dangerously close to high-voltage power lines.
Lineman Warner Newbauer and Apprentice Lineman Gallego of Sulphur Springs Valley Electric Co-op were dispatched to the scene after the bear was spotted in distress. The workers, understanding the gravity of the situation, immediately cut power to the lines to ensure the bear’s safety. They then used a boom truck to approach the bear, which was initially apprehensive but eventually calmed down.
Newbauer, speaking gently to the bear from a distance of about 6 feet, managed to coax the animal into a safer position. After some time, the bear climbed down the pole on its own and ran off to safety. This rescue operation was not only a display of quick thinking and compassion but also highlighted the risks wildlife face in human-dominated landscapes.
This incident was not the first of its kind in Arizona. Just a month prior, another brown bear was found atop two power poles. However, unlike the previous case, this bear managed to descend safely without human intervention. The rescue of the young bear on the utility pole serves as a reminder of the importance of coexisting with wildlife and the need for proactive measures to prevent such occurrences.
