For nearly two weeks, a young female bear in Wisconsin endured a terrifying ordeal — roaming with a large plastic jar stuck over her head. Unable to eat and barely able to drink, the 2-year-old sow’s survival became a race against time.
A Struggle for Survival
Weighing just 70 pounds, the bear wandered across at least 50 miles in Sawyer, Bayfield, and Douglas counties, according to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Live traps, public sightings, and tracking efforts all failed to catch her.
Experts believe she survived by relying on her natural body fat reserves, which bears build up during the summer in preparation for winter hibernation. Still, her situation was dire.
The Rescue
On July 26, the bear was first spotted in Sawyer County with the jar tightly stuck on her head. Over the following days, reports placed her in several northern counties. Finally, a family at their cabin saw the weakened bear and immediately called wildlife authorities.
Wildlife experts from USDA APHIS Wildlife Services arrived and safely sedated the bear with a dart. The jar — showing deep claw punctures where the bear had tried to free herself — was carefully cut away.
“She was a little skinny when captured,” said Randy Johnson, a large carnivore specialist with the DNR. “A healthy female her age should weigh 100 to 150 pounds, but she was only 70.”
Back to the Wild
Once freed, the bear was tagged, relocated to a safe wooded area, and given the chance to recover naturally. When she awoke, she immediately began eating wild berries.
“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 in a statement.
A Reminder About Plastic Pollution
The case highlights the danger of plastic waste to wildlife, as discarded containers and trash can trap or injure animals. Bears, raccoons, and other species often investigate human litter in search of food — sometimes with deadly consequences.
Thanks to quick action and cooperation between the public and wildlife officials, this young bear’s life was saved in the nick of time. But her story is also a powerful reminder of why responsible waste management, environmental conservation, and awareness about human impact on wildlife are crucial.
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