Wildlife officials track bear for 50 miles to remove jar from its head

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.

No lacerations or additional injuries we