DOUGLAS, Ariz. — Residents of Douglas, Arizona, welcomed an unexpected visitor Sunday when a bear climbed up two utility poles and made itself at home.
The wildlife encounter forced the brief closure of a portion of U.S. Highway 191, while several dozen onlookers marveled at the creature perched atop the electrical wires, The Arizona Republic reported.
Meanwhile, the Arizona Game & Fish department shared photos of the encounter on social media, noting the animal risked electrocution with its high-wire act.
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
Department officials along with authorities from the Douglas Police Department, Cochise County Sherriff’s Office and U.S. Border Patrol responded to the area to chase the bear down from the poles, but the animal eventually strolled down on its own, the Republic reported.
According to the newspaper, the department began receiving reports of bear sightings for the first time this year only two weeks ago.
The department confirmed that bear sightings were reported on April 27 in Elgin and Pima, followed by an April 29 sighting in Thatcher. That bear was again spotted the following day at Madera Canyon in the Santa Rita Mountains, the department stated in another tweet.
UPDATE: Another bear sighting reported today @ Madera Canyon in the Santa Ritas, a popular location for birders. While sightings this week are routine, remember bears are shy but curious. Face forward, stand tall, yell, throw non-lethal objects & wave arms if bears get too close. https://t.co/sC8AjGyRdH
— AZ Game & Fish Dept (@azgfdTucson) April 30, 2021
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