Bear Freed from Plastic Lid That Was Stuck Around His Neck for 2 Years

Bear Rescued from Two-Year Ordeal with Plastic Lid Around Neck

In a heartwarming rescue effort, wildlife biologists in Michigan managed to free a young male black bear from a plastic lid that had been stuck around its neck for a staggering two years. The bear, weighing 110 pounds, had inadvertently trapped its head in a 5-inch hole in the lid, leading to a long period of distress and discomfort.

The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) in Michigan disclosed the remarkable rescue operation that took place in Montmorency County on June 2. After successfully anesthetizing the bear, the biologists carefully cut off the plastic lid that had been limiting the bear’s movements and causing significant scarring around its neck.

Speaking to PEOPLE, DNR’s Bear, Furbearer, and Small Game Specialist, Cody Norton, expressed the satisfaction of finally being able to release the bear from its ordeal. He added that while the rescue was rewarding, the hope is that it will also serve as a lesson in preventing similar incidents for other wildlife species in the future.

The journey to freeing the bear began two years ago when the DNR’s Atlanta field office first noticed the trapped bear on trail camera photos. Despite sporadic appearances on cameras over the years, the bear remained elusive until a concerned resident in Hamilton, Mich., reported a sighting to the authorities in late May.

With the collaboration and permission of the landowner, state biologists were able to create a safe enclosure for the bear and successfully conduct the rescue operation on June 2. Following the removal of the lid and a period of recovery from the anesthesia, the bear was happily released back into the wild.

Despite the extensive scarring and an abscess on the bear’s neck post-rescue, the DNR confirmed that the now 2-year-old bear was in overall good health. The agency highlighted the importance of responsible trash disposal and storage of materials to prevent similar incidents with wildlife in the future.

Reflecting on the incident, Norton emphasized the significance of securing trash and other attractants properly to avoid endangering wild animals. He urged for caution in using bait containers, stressing the need for responsible handling to ensure the safety and well-being of wildlife in their natural habitats.

The heartening rescue effort serves as a poignant reminder of the impact human negligence can have on wildlife and the importance of conservation efforts in protecting vulnerable species. By raising awareness and promoting responsible stewardship of the environment, we can strive to create a safer and healthier ecosystem for all inhabitants, both human and animal alike.