The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources tracked a bear more than 50 miles for more than a week to remove a jar from its head.

The bear was first spotted in north central Sawyer County on July 26.

It was then reported multiple times across northern Sawyer County and southern Bayfield and Douglas counties before wildlife officials removed it near Cable on Aug. 3.

Staff from USDA Wildlife Services set several live traps to try and trap the bear, but those were initially unsuccessful.

On Aug. 3, a trained wildlife professional responded to a private residence and was able to safely dart the bear with an immobilization drug.

Once the bear was sedated, USDA Wildlife Services staff were able to cut off the jug and examine the bear for injuries.

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No lacerations or additional injuries were noted, and the approximately 70-pound, 2-year-old female bear was relocated to a safe, wooded area with ample food and water to allow for recovery.

The bear was alert when released and quickly began feeding on a patch of berries nearby, officials said, noting that feeding on Wisconsin’s abundant natural food sources give it the best chance for survival.

“We do not know how long the jug was on the bear’s head, but it was a little skinny when captured. There were punctures in the jug – likely from the bear’s claws – and a public observation indicated that it was able to drink by dunking its head in water,” said Randy Johnson, DNR large carnivore specialist.

“The bear was likely surviving on body fat reserves (which can be significant on bears by midsummer). A bear of that age and sex normally averages between 100-150 pounds this time of year.”

The bear received two plastic ear tags for identification, consistent with federal law regarding the administration of immobilization drugs in free-ranging wildlife.

The DNR and USDA Wildlife Services are thanking the public for reporting the bear as it moved across the landscape.

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