In the quiet desert town of Willcox, Arizona, where life typically moves at a slow, steady pace, an extraordinary event unfolded in August 2021 that captured the hearts of locals and made headlines far beyond. A young brown bear, curious and adventurous, found itself in a precarious situation: perched 40 feet high atop a utility pole, dangerously close to live electrical wires carrying a staggering 7,200 volts. What followed was a heart-pounding rescue mission led by two quick-thinking utility workers, showcasing bravery, compassion, and a touch of small-town charm.
A Shocking Sight in Willcox
It was an ordinary day in Willcox, a close-knit community known for its apple orchards and wide-open desert landscapes. But the tranquility was shattered when residents noticed an unusual figure atop a tall power pole near the edge of town. A juvenile brown bear, likely exploring its surroundings, had climbed the pole and was now teetering just inches from high-voltage lines. One wrong move could have spelled disaster—not only for the bear, which risked severe injury or death, but also for the town’s power supply.
Word spread quickly, and concerned onlookers gathered at a safe distance, their eyes fixed on the bear. Some snapped photos, capturing the surreal sight of the animal clinging to the pole, its furry body silhouetted against the Arizona sky. At one point, the bear covered its eyes with its paws, almost as if overwhelmed by the situation or shy under the gaze of its unexpected audience. The moment was equal parts endearing and nerve-wracking.
Recognizing the danger, residents wasted no time in alerting the Sulphur Springs Valley Electric Cooperative (SSVEC), the local power company responsible for maintaining the area’s electrical grid. The call went out: a bear was in trouble, and immediate action was needed.
Bear coaxed off utility pole in Wilcox, AZ
Heroes in a Bucket Truck
Enter Werner Neubauer and his apprentice, Efren Gallego, two SSVEC utility workers who would soon become the heroes of the day. With years of experience working on high-voltage lines, Werner was no stranger to high-stakes situations, but rescuing a bear was a first. The duo arrived at the scene with a clear plan: prioritize the bear’s safety while ensuring no one else was put at risk.
Their first step was to de-energize the power lines. With 7,200 volts coursing through the wires, a single misstep by the bear could have been catastrophic. Shutting off the power eliminated the immediate danger of electrocution, giving the team a window to act. Werner then climbed into the bucket of a utility truck, a specialized vehicle designed to lift workers to the tops of poles for maintenance. Armed with a long fiberglass stick—a tool used for safe handling of electrical equipment—he prepared to approach the bear.
A Delicate Dance at 40 Feet
As Werner ascended in the bucket truck, the crowd below watched with bated breath. The bear, still perched high above, seemed unsure of what to do. Its earlier gesture of covering its eyes suggested it was nervous, perhaps sensing the gravity of its predicament. Werner, however, remained calm and focused. He knew that startling the bear could cause it to panic, potentially leading to a fall or an aggressive reaction.
Using the fiberglass stick, Werner gently nudged the System: Werner carefully guided the bear, encouraging it to start its descent. His approach was methodical, balancing caution with urgency to avoid spooking the animal. The fiberglass stick allowed him to maintain a safe distance while still coaxing the bear to move downward. It was a delicate operation—too much pressure could cause the bear to react unpredictably, but too little might prolong the risky situation.
After several tense moments, the bear began to respond, slowly inching its way down the pole. Step by careful step, it descended, its powerful limbs gripping the wood as it made its way back to solid ground. The crowd below, which had grown as word of the spectacle spread, watched in awe and relief. When the bear finally reached the base of the pole, it paused briefly before bolting into the surrounding desert, disappearing into the brush unharmed.
A Community Effort and a Lasting Story
The successful rescue was met with cheers and sighs of relief from the onlookers. For the residents of Willcox, it was a moment of pride—not just for the bear’s safety, but for the teamwork and quick thinking of their local utility workers. SSVEC shared the story on social media, where it quickly gained traction, charming readers with its mix of danger, humor, and heart. Photos of the bear, particularly the moment it seemed to “hide” its face, became a viral sensation, endearing the young animal to people far and wide.
The incident also sparked conversations about wildlife in rural areas like Willcox, where bears, though not common, occasionally wander into human spaces. Arizona’s black bears (often appearing brown in color) are native to the region’s forests and mountains, but encounters in towns are rare. The event prompted local authorities to remind residents to secure food sources and avoid attracting wildlife to populated areas, ensuring both human and animal safety.
A Testament to Compassion and Courage
The bear-on-the-pole saga is more than just a quirky wildlife story—it’s a testament to the ingenuity and compassion of everyday people. Werner Neubauer and Efren Gallego didn’t hesitate to step up, using their skills and equipment to avert a potential tragedy. Their actions highlight the unsung heroism of utility workers, who are often called upon not just to keep the lights on, but to handle unexpected challenges with professionalism and care.
For the people of Willcox, the rescue was a reminder of the unpredictable beauty of living alongside nature. It’s a story they’ll tell for years—a day when a curious bear climbed a little too high, and a small town came together to bring it safely back to earth.
