70-lb. Female Bear with Head Stuck in Jar Successfully Freed After 12 Days

A female bear weighing 70 pounds, who had her head trapped inside a jar for over 12 days, was successfully rescued recently. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) shared in a press release that the 2-year-old bear was initially spotted with the jar stuck on its head in north central Sawyer County on July 26. As the bear wandered from Cable to Seely and then north to Iron River, covering almost 50 miles, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Wildlife Services set up live traps based on reported sightings.

Despite previous unsuccessful attempts due to the bear’s significant daily movements, the USDA Wildlife Services eventually captured the bear on Sunday, August 3, when it was sighted at a private residence. The sightings on August 2 and 3 indicated the bear was likely returning to Cable, the area where it was first spotted. Erik Donley and his nieces played a crucial role in the rescue, as they spotted the bear and promptly contacted the authorities. A trained wildlife professional arrived, safely sedated the bear, and removed the jar from its head. The bear was found to be in good condition with no additional injuries.

The bear was relocated to a safe wooded area with abundant food and water following its rescue. It was observed to be alert when released and immediately began feeding on berries nearby. Randy Johnson, a DNR large carnivore specialist, noted that despite being underweight at capture, the bear was able to survive by using its body fat reserves. The bear’s ability to endure 12 days without proper nutrition or hydration was impressive. Johnson estimated that a bear of that age and gender would typically weigh between 100-150 pounds at that time of year.

The heartwarming rescue of the bear serves as a reminder of the importance of wildlife conservation and the tireless efforts of professionals and concerned individuals to ensure the well-being of animals in distress. The public’s vigilance and quick actions played a significant role in ensuring the bear’s safe rescue and release back into its natural habitat.

The successful outcome of rescuing the bear highlights the importance of coexistence between humans and wildlife, emphasizing the need for responsible waste disposal to prevent such incidents in the future. By spreading awareness about the impact of human activities on wildlife and the environment, we can all contribute to creating a safer and healthier habitat for animals like this bear. The collaborative efforts that led to this bear’s rescue demonstrate the powerful impact of community involvement in wildlife conservation initiatives.

As we celebrate the bear’s freedom and survival, it is a poignant reminder of the delicate balance of nature and the collective responsibility we hold in preserving and protecting our diverse wildlife population. The bear’s resilience and the dedicated efforts of those involved in its rescue serve as a heartening tale of compassion and commitment towards ensuring the well-being of all creatures that share our planet.