Bayfield County Bear Freed From Jar Stuck on its Head for Days

CRYSTAL LAKE, Wis (WBZH / WHSM) – Bayfield County residents helped wildlife officials track down a black bear with its head stuck in a jar for days, freeing it on Sunday.

The search began on July 28 when the Chequamegon Humane Association received the unusual call. The organization quickly contacted the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and U.S. Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services staff to help the bear.

Due to the high temperatures last week, wildlife officials said the two-year-old female bear was in serious danger. They also put out a call to Bayfield County residents to be on the lookout for the bear, and report any sightings while keeping a safe distance.

The bear was spotted at a Crystal Lake property near Cable on Sunday morning. According to a Northern News Now report, wildlife officials arrived at the scene quickly and located the bear, tranquilizing it before cutting the jar off of her head. The Wisconsin DNR then relocated the bear and released it in an area with ample natural food and water sources.

DNR officials also credited the Bayfield County community for their assistance in tracking the bear. They say the public reports were critical in the successful effort to save her.

It’s the second strange incident involving a bear in the region over recent weeks. DNR officials have been trying to locate another bear in the Barron County area that was responsible for an unusually aggressive attack. The 69-year-old victim managed to escape the attack and DNR officials say she is recovering well. Last week the agency ended its efforts to trap the bear, but officials will continue to monitor the area.