A bear with a jar stuck on her head for more than a week has finally been freed.
The two-year-old animal had been stumbling through forests with the plastic pot covering her mouth and preventing her from eating.
Officials spent eight days tracking the jug-wearing wanderer, who managed to travel a staggering 50 miles in spite of her plight.
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The young female, estimated to weigh just 70 pounds, was first spotted in trouble on July 26 in Sawyer County, Wisconsin, US.
But the resourceful bear kept moving – dodging live traps and confusing wildlife experts.
Officials from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and USDA Wildlife Services eventually managed to track the bear to Cable, Wisconsin, on Sunday (3 August), as reported by What’s The Jam.
Randy Johnson, a large carnivore specialist with the DNR, said: “We don’t know exactly how long the jug was on her head.
“But she was a little skinny when captured.
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“There were punctures in the jug, likely from her own claws, and she was able to drink by dunking her head in water.”
A trained wildlife professional arrived at the scene and safely darted the bear with an immobilisation drug.
Once sedated, staff were able to cut off the jug, check her over for injuries – of which there were none – and relocate her to a safe, wooded area nearby.
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The bear was alert when released and quickly began feeding on a patch of berries nearby, according to officials.
Social media lit up with relief as the jug was finally removed.
One commenter said: “I’m sooo happy to read this! Thank you, WDNR!!”
Another added: “Best news of the day.”
Someone else wrote: “Best news I’ve heard in a very long time.”
One reply read: “Poor thing. So glad they were able to help it.”
Another person posted: “So happy that the poor bear got the jar off its head. I have been thinking about it since the story aired. I love happy endings.”
