Michigan wildlife officials successfully captured a black bear that had a large plastic lid stuck around its neck for two years, a remarkable survival story.

“It’s extraordinary that the bear managed to survive and feed itself,” stated bear expert Cody Norton on Wednesday. “Although the neck was scarred and missing fur, the bear appeared to be in far better shape than anticipated.”

3

The bear was first spotted on a trail camera as a cub in 2023 in Michigan’s northern Lower Peninsula. Conservation officials remained vigilant for the animal, recognizing the metal lid constricting its neck.

In late May, the bear was caught again on camera still wearing the barrel-like lid. The Department of Natural Resources then set a trap, successfully luring the animal inside. It was sedated and the lid cut off on June 3, after which the bear woke and wandered away peacefully.

3

It remains uncertain how the metal lid became lodged around the bear’s neck. While bear baiting is legal in Michigan, the size of the opening on the lid generally allows for safer placement, making this case unusual.

One curious detail is how a 110-pound bear endured being trapped in the metal device through multiple winters. Norton expressed surprise at the bear’s resilience, noting it was still able to survive like any typical bear.