MADISON, WI (KDAL) – Over the weekend, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) says the U-S Wildlife Service was able to sedate a black bear near Cable in northwest Wisconsin and remove a plastic jar that was stuck on its head.
The bear was first observed with the jar on its head in north central Sawyer County on July 26th. Since then multiple sightings of the bear were made in southern Bayfield and Douglas Counties.
After more than a week of monitoring and unsuccessful trapping efforts, the bear was spotted at a private residence near where it was first seen. A wildlife professional was able to dart the animal with a drug that sedated it and Wildlife Service staff were able to remove the jug and examine the bear for injuries.
It is unknown how long the jug was on the bear’s head but it was skinny when captured. Punctures in the jug, probably made by the bear’s claws, enabled the bear to drink by dunking its head in water.
The bear was tagged and released in a safe wooded area with ample food and water to allow it to recover.
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