Okla. electric crews say bobcat caused outage

[March 11, 2010]  TISHOMINGO, Okla. (AP) -- Oklahoma Gas and Electric officials said a pole climbing bobcat is to blame for a power outage in southern Oklahoma.

OG&E spokesman Brian Alford said repair crews found the smoldering body of the bobcat Tuesday at the top of a utility pole in Johnston County. The power outage left about 3,100 customers without power about 9:30 p.m. and power was restored about 10:45 p.m.

Alford said squirrels, snakes and small rodents have caused outages in the past -- but this is the first time he's heard of a bobcat causing an outage.

He said crews believe the bobcat climbed the utility pole and then touched two power lines at the same time.

[Associated Press]

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