Wisconsin Bear With Jar Stuck on Head Was Freed After A Week-Long Ordeal

A young bear spotted roaming around northern Wisconsin with a plastic jar stuck on its head has been rescued and safely released back into the wild.

Rescued Near Cable, Wisconsin, After Traveling Nearly 50 Miles

The 2-year-old female had been traveling for over a week while struggling to eat and drink, according to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

Jayme Morey, a medical coordinator at the Chequamegon Humane Association in Ashland, had been helping track the animal for days. “My immediate neighbor was like, ‘Hey, just heads up, here’s what’s heading toward your house,’” said Morey. Though she's used to helping find lost pets, this time it was a bear in need of urgent help.

Bear Tracked and Tranquilized by Wildlife Officials

The bear was finally located on Sunday in a neighbor’s yard near Cable, Wisconsin. DNR staff responded quickly, tranquilizing the bear and safely removing the jar from its head. Officials reported that the bear was dehydrated and underweight, but otherwise in good condition.

“She weighed only 70 pounds,” said Morey. “For a bear her age, she should weigh between 100 and 150 pounds during this time of year.”

Randy Johnson, a large carnivore specialist with the DNR, said the bear had likely been surviving by dunking her jar-covered head into streams and lakes to drink. Despite the situation, she had no serious injuries.

Released and Already Back to Feeding

After removing the jar, wildlife officials tagged the bear with two plastic ear markers for future identification and released her back into the forest. She was last seen feeding on wild berries just moments after being set free.

“The good news is this is the time of year when food is most abundant,” said Johnson. “She has about two months to regain weight and prepare for winter, so she has a solid chance at recovery.”

Public Tips Played Key Role in Rescue

The DNR credited members of the public for helping track the bear’s movement across nearly 50 miles of northern Wisconsin. The Chequamegon Humane Association shared updates regularly, keeping awareness high and the search effort alive.

Officials encourage people to properly dispose of or secure containers that might attract wildlife. Similar incidents involving bears and plastic objects have been reported in the past.

Thanks to quick action from both residents and professionals, this bear’s story ended with freedom—and a meal in the woods.

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