Bear necessity: lid stuck around US animal’s neck removed after two years

Wildlife experts in Michigan have successfully rescued a black bear that had been trapped with a large plastic lid around its neck for two years. The bear was first spotted as a cub in 2023 through a trail camera in the northern Lower Peninsula. Since then, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) had been monitoring the bear's movements, particularly after it was seen again in late May with the lid still attached. Experts were astonished that the bear managed to survive and maintain its health despite the severe neck injury and hair loss caused by the lid. Cody Norton, a state bear specialist, expressed surprise at the bear's condition, noting that it was in much better shape than anticipated given the circumstances.

On June 3, wildlife officials successfully trapped the bear using a cylindrical trap and anesthetized it to safely remove the lid. Although the exact circumstances of how the lid became stuck are unclear, it is known that the hole in the barrel lid should typically be large enough to prevent such incidents. The bear, weighing approximately 110 pounds, endured the discomfort of the lid for two winters, raising questions about its ability to find food and shelter during the harsh conditions. Norton remarked on the bear's resilience and adaptability, indicating that it behaved like a typical bear despite the unusual obstacle. After the procedure, the bear was able to wake up and wander away, marking a successful intervention by the DNR and highlighting the challenges wildlife faces in their natural habitats.