Bear Causes Pennsylvania Wildfire by Climbing Power Pole
Investigators say a black bear caused a small wildfire in the Allegheny National Forest in northwestern Pennsylvania by climbing a utility pole and knocking down some power lines.
Firefighters from Lafayette and Corydon townships responded to the fire about 130 miles northeast of Pittsburgh about 3:30 p.m. Monday.
Penelec officials determined the bear was electrocuted when they responded. Lafayette Township Fire Chief Don Fowler tells the Bradford Era that investigators believe the bear might have detected a buzzing noise from the wires and climbed the pole thinking there was a beehive.
The wildlife damaged less than a quarter of an acre.
Firefighters were on the scene about 45 minutes.
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