A black bear in Michigan, which had a blue barrel lid stuck around its neck for at least two years, was finally captured, sedated, and freed by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR). The bear was in better condition than expected despite the ordeal.
Black bear finally freed of lid that was stuck on its neck for 2 years
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TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️A black bear in Michigan, which had a blue barrel lid stuck around its neck for at least two years, was finally captured, sedated, and freed by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR). The bear was in better condition than expected despite the ordeal.
Trending- 1 2023: Bear first spotted as a cub with a blue barrel lid on its neck via a trail camera.
- 2 For at least two years: The bear roamed the forest with the lid, remaining elusive.
- 3 This spring (2025): A resident in Montmorency County spotted the bear on a trail camera and alerted the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.
- 4 Michigan DNR set up a cylindrical trap and captured the bear.
- 5 DNR staffers sedated the bear and freed it from the plastic lid.
- 6 The bear was released back to the woods.
- Bear's neck was scarred and missing hair
- Bear was in much better condition than expected
- DNR highlighted the importance of complying with bear baiting laws to prevent wildlife injury
What: A black bear was freed from a blue barrel lid that had been stuck around its neck for at least two years.
When: For at least two years (since 2023 as a cub); freed this spring (2025).
Where: Montmorency County, Michigan.
Why: The bear had a blue barrel lid wrapped around its neck, causing potential injury and hindering its ability to feed.
How: A resident spotted the bear on a trail camera and alerted the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR). The DNR set up a cylindrical trap, lured the bear inside, sedated it, and then removed the lid before releasing the bear back into the woods.