On the morning of July 20, 2026, a black bear was moving through the open country near Gladstone, in northeastern New Mexico, when something startled it. Frightened and looking for safety, it did what bears instinctively do when danger appears... it climbed. But this was no tree. It was a utility pole roughly 35 feet tall, and when the bear reached the crossarm at the top, it found itself stranded high above an empty field  panting, shifting its weight, live wires just inches away, with nowhere left to go.

A passing driver spotted it and called for help. "I'm calling to report a bear on top of a light pole," the caller told a 911 dispatcher. But rescuing the bear was dangerous: tranquilizing it while it clung to the pole could have sent it into a fatal fall, so everyone waited. A power crew was reportedly on its way to cut the electricity. Nobody came. The bear was electrocuted and died before anyone could bring it safely down.

It was a frightened animal that made one desperate choice and it paid for that choice with its life. Worst of all, it did not have to end this way. That is what sparked this petition.

Bears are majestic creatures that play a vital role in our ecosystems. Unfortunately, instances of bears climbing light poles and subsequently being harmed have been increasingly reported. These situations not only endanger the lives of the bears but can also pose risks to human safety and property. It's crucial that we address this issue with urgency and compassion.

Each year, numerous bears are injured or killed in avoidable accidents involving light poles. These structures, often located near bear habitats, can attract curious bears searching for food or shelter. When bears climb these poles, they risk electrocution, falls, and other injuries. Further, the usual response by authorities, which often involves euthanizing the animal deemed a threat, or failing to respond in time to save it — only adds to the tragedy of these incidents.

Authorities need to treat bear lives with utmost seriousness and prioritize humane and proactive measures to prevent such occurrences. We urgently need a multi-faceted approach that includes:

1. Installing barriers or modifications on light poles to deter climbing by wildlife.
2. Implementing effective behavioral deterrents around areas frequently visited by bears.
3. Training wildlife officers in non-lethal methods for handling bears near human developments, and ensuring rapid response when an animal is in danger.
4. Developing public awareness programs about living in harmony with local wildlife.
5. Statistical data has shown that non-lethal bear management practices are not only effective in reducing human-wildlife conflicts but also beneficial for conservation efforts. For example, communities that engage in proactive measures to protect wildlife tend to experience fewer dangerous encounters and benefit from thriving bear populations, which in turn support healthy ecosystems.

The time to act is now. By signing this petition, you are calling for local authorities to implement protective measures for bears and show a commitment to coexistence and safety. Together, we can protect these incredible animals and ensure they continue to enrich our world's biodiversity. Please sign and support this critical cause to safeguard the lives of bears and promote more humane management practices.

Let's get Justice For BOP (Bear on Pole)!

You can watch the video of our bear friend who died a tragic death in New Mexico here: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/7bGA2_MRtOk