Bear caught on camera perched atop New Mexico utility pole before reportedly suffering fatal electrocution

A bear that climbed to the top of a utility pole in rural New Mexico became the subject of a viral video this week before reportedly later dying after the unusual encounter.

The video, recorded Monday near Gladstone, New Mexico, roughly 170 miles east of Santa Fe, shows the bear precariously perched on the crossarm of the utility pole while panting and trying to maintain its balance high above the ground.

The U.S. Department of the Interior shared the video Wednesday, joking, "We appreciate the enthusiasm for American Energy Dominance, but this isn't what we meant."

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The Department of the Interior and the New Mexico Department of Wildlife did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.

The footage, verified by Storyful, also includes audio from a 911 caller reporting the unusual sight.

"I'm calling to report a bear on top of a light pole," the caller tel...