NJ Bear With Head Stuck In Chicken Feeder For Months Has Finally Been Freed
A young black bear has been spotted by locals and wildlife officials for months with a plastic chicken feeder around her head. After many failed attempts to capture the bear, she was finally caught Sunday night in a culvert trap.
The bear apparently wandered around with the chicken feeder on her head for several months.
The New Jersey Herald states the yearling became stuck in the feeder shortly after leaving her mother’s side last year.
New Jersey Fish and Wildlife biologists arrived and sedated the 89-pound female black bear before removing the chicken feeder. Surprisingly, the fur was only matted and not rubbed off by the plastic container. Once it was removed the bear was examined and appeared to be in good health.
Wildlife officials observed her until she awoke and wandered off into the woods. The state Department of Environmental Protection released photos of the sedated bear and of her waking up.
Concerned animal lovers near and far have been following the bear’s story on social media and were so relieved to hear she has finally been freed.
Help Asheville Bears-HAB, a group of bear protectors, shared the great news with their followers and wrote, “New Jersey bear is saved by super heroes with wildlife that have worked tirelessly along with people in the area to save the bear safely!! 10 big Peaches bear hugs to everyone!!!! May the world know and celebrate you all now as the heroes you are!! Stay safe, little bear! People still really care!”
The group thanked all involved and shared it was a team effort. “They have not only biologists, but bear technicians there that worked around the clock until this happened.”
Hopefully the bear has learned her lesson and stays safe.
Black bears are thriving in New Jersey and the state’s Fish and Wildlife department reports bears have been sighted in all 21 of New Jersey’s counties. They ask residents and visitors to use bear-resistant trash containers and provides several other tips on how to peacefully co-exist with the large mammals.
Learn more here.
