After two long years, a resilient young black bear is finally free from a painful plastic lid that had been cutting into their neck for two years, according to local news.
In 2023, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) learned of a bear cub seen with a plastic lid stuck around their neck.
For nearly two years, trail cameras in Hillman, Michigan would catch the cub wandering in the area with the large plastic lid embedded in their neck, but the bear would disappear again after a day.
Thankfully, in May 2025, a local resident spotted the juvenile bear on his property after viewing his trail camera footage. He contacted the DNR, and a coordinated effort was put in place to safely trap the bear.
On June 2, 2025, the 110-pound bear was successfully trapped and sedated, and the plastic lid was carefully cut and removed from their neck.
State wildlife biologists determined that, aside from an abscess and scarring caused by the lid, the bear was otherwise healthy and believed to be around 2 years old. Once the anesthesia wore off, the bear was released safely back onto the wooded property.
The lid was likely from a 55-gallon drum, a type of container sometimes used in the controversial practice of bear baiting, according to the DNR. Although legal in Michigan under certain conditions, baiting poses serious risks to wildlife.
“Container openings of a certain size can result in bears and other wildlife getting their heads or other body parts stuck in them, leading to injury or death,” said Cody Norton, the DNR’s bear, furbearer, and small game specialist. “It’s important to remember that the opening diameter is more important than the size of the container.”
Without intervention, the embedded lid could have caused a slow and painful death.
Thanks to the compassionate efforts of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, this young bear was given a second chance at the life they deserve.
Landowners are encouraged to properly recycle, clean and compact empty containers, and secure garbage to avoid potentially deadly consequences for wildlife. Helpful tips on how to bear-proof your garbage are available from BearWise here.
Lady Freethinker commends the Michigan Department of Natural Resources for their efforts to free this young bear from the embedded plastic lid, sparing them from further suffering and giving them the chance to thrive again in their natural home.
For a related uplifting LFT rescue story, read how another bear cub was saved from a soccer net while his mother patiently waited nearby: Bear Cub Freed From Soccer Net While Mom Waits Nearby.