For eight days, a two-year-old female black bear roamed northern Wisconsin with a plastic jar stuck on her head. This unusual situation raised concerns, drawing the attention of local residents and social media users, and underscored the ongoing issues wildlife face due to human waste encroaching on their habitats.
The bear’s ordeal began in Ashland, Wisconsin, where neighbors first noticed her struggling to move with the jar firmly in place. The curious young bear traveled nearly 50 miles, navigating roads, yards, and forests while having difficulty seeing. Concerned locals reached out to wildlife authorities, leading to a coordinated effort to ensure her safety.
Jamie Morey, a volunteer with the Chequamegon Humane Association, took on the responsibility of tracking the bear after being alerted by neighbors. “Earlier this week, I thought, ‘There’s no way this story will end well,’” she told WCCO. “It’s not going to be a hero story — and lo and behold, the bear is alive, and it does not have a bucket on its head.”
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) joined the rescue efforts, using tracking and sighting reports to locate the bear in a neighbor’s yard in Cable. Once found, officials carefully tranquilized her, removed the plastic jar, and ensured she was unharmed before releasing her back into the wild.
Despite her ordeal, the bear displayed remarkable resilience. Weighing only 70 pounds, she was underweight compared to the typical 100 to 150 pounds expected for a bear her age. Randy Johnson, a large carnivore specialist with the Wisconsin DNR, noted that she managed to drink water by dipping the jar into puddles and streams, showcasing her adaptability. “The good news is this is the time of year when food is most abundant in the woods,” he said. “She has two months to regain her health before winter, so she has a good chance.”
Officials also tagged the bear with two plastic ear markers for future identification and monitoring. They expressed gratitude to the public for reporting sightings, emphasizing that community involvement was vital in ensuring the bear’s safety.
This incident highlights a recurring issue for wildlife: human litter and unsecured trash. Bears often rummage through trash cans, dumpsters, or discarded containers, leading to dangerous situations like this one. “Animals frequently get objects stuck on their heads from digging through trash,” Johnson explained. The DNR is urging residents living near bear habitats to secure their garbage, especially during seasons when bears are most active and searching for food.
The story of this young bear serves as both a cautionary tale and a testament to wildlife resilience. Her eight-day journey, navigating through forests and neighborhoods while trapped, captured the attention of animal lovers statewide and sparked widespread social media discussion. Thanks to the vigilance of local residents, volunteers, and wildlife authorities, she survived her ordeal and returned safely to her natural habitat.
Morey reflected on the experience with gratitude and relief. “It’s moments like this that remind me why I do this work,” she said. “Seeing her safe and freed — it’s a small victory, but it’s everything.”
As wildlife continues to face threats from habitat loss and human interference, the bear’s story serves as an important reminder of the delicate balance between human activity and the natural world. Simple actions, like securing trash and monitoring local wildlife, can prevent unnecessary harm and ensure that animals like this young black bear have the opportunity to thrive.
Ultimately, this bear’s survival is a testament to her determination and the compassion of those who aided her. Her journey, from being trapped in a plastic jar to freedom in the forests of northern Wisconsin, exemplifies what can occur when humans take responsible actions to protect wildlife.
💛 The young black bear has been freed, tagged, and returned to the wild — a reminder of resilience, adaptability, and the importance of keeping wildlife safe from everyday human hazards.
