Lineman Rescues Bear from Utility Pole in Arizona

COCHISE COUNTY, Ariz. — December 2, 2025 — A bear perched on a utility pole in Cochise County, Arizona, was rescued from the risk of electrocution by a lineman who used a fiberglass stick to encourage the animal to climb down, officials said. Werner J. Neubauer responded to a call reporting the bear on the pole and took action by shutting off power to the equipment on the pole. He then ascended in a bucket truck and gently prodded the bear with the fiberglass stick until it slid down and returned to the wild, according to authorities. A video recorded by Neubauer’s wife captured the rescue. Neubauer noted that this was not his first experience with a bear on a utility pole; he previously assisted a young bear in a similar situation in 2021. The incident highlights the challenges wildlife can face when encountering human infrastructure and the role utility workers can play in ensuring animal safety.

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Maya Chen

Maya Chen reports on international politics, conflict and diplomacy. She specializes in explaining how global events shape U.S. security, trade and migration, and how decisions made abroad ripple into life at home.

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