Story perspectives

Black Bear Electrocuted on Power Pole After Delayed Rescue

7/24/2026

Summary

Story summary

A black bear died from electrocution after being stranded on a 35-foot high-voltage pole near Gladstone on July 20, 2026.
Shannon Mullens and Robin Dawson filmed the bear from Highway 56 and called 911.
Robin Dawson waited 30 minutes before any rescue arrived.
Union County Sheriff Curtis Skaggs said a utility crew and deputy arrived only after the bear was electrocuted.
Wildlife experts warned that expanding infrastructure could increase similar deadly encounters.

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Story summary

A black bear died from electrocution after being stranded on a 35-foot high-voltage pole near Gladstone on July 20, 2026.
Shannon Mullens and Robin Dawson filmed the bear from Highway 56 and called 911.
Robin Dawson waited 30 minutes before any rescue arrived.
Union County Sheriff Curtis Skaggs said a utility crew and deputy arrived only after the bear was electrocuted.
Wildlife experts warned that expanding infrastructure could increase similar deadly encounters.