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.