(The Center Square) – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources freed a bear with a jar stuck on its head near Cable, Wis.
The bear had been reported with a jar on its head on July 26 and the U.S. Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services department followed reports and attempted to trap the bear for a week before successfully capturing the bear after using an immobilization drug on Sunday and then cutting the jar off the bear’s head.
The bear had been reported in Bayfield, Douglas and Sawyer counties, moving nearly 50 miles following the first report.
Authorities did not note any additional lacerations on the 70-pound bear, which was underweight compared to average.
“We do not know how long the jug was on the bear’s head, but it was a little skinny when captured. There were punctures in the jug – likely from the bear’s claws – and a public observation indicated that it was able to drink by dunking its head in water,” Randy Johnson, DNR large carnivore specialist, said in a statement. “The bear was likely surviving on body fat reserves (which can be significant on bears by midsummer). A bear of that age and sex normally averages between 100-150 pounds this time of year.”
The bear had been reported as able to drink water by immersing its head.
The bear was then released into a wooded area with ample food nearby and was observed feeding on berries after being released.
“Natural food is abundant in northern Wisconsin at this time of year, and the bear’s best chance of survival is in the wild, feeding on naturally occurring food sources,” the DNR said.
