Trending

High-wire act: Bear stakes brief claim atop utility poles in Arizona border town

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.

>> Read more trending news

Meanwhile, the Arizona Game & Fish department shared photos of the encounter on social media, noting the animal risked electrocution with its high-wire act.

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.

mobile apps

Everything you love about wokv.com and more! Tap on any of the buttons below to download our app.

amazon alexa

Enable our Skill today to listen live at home on your Alexa Devices!