MARION COUNTY, Fla. — Biologists spent 10 days trying to catch a bear cub that was near death. The cub was spotted near Weirsdale (see map), in the Ocala National Forest, with a clear, industrial-sized plastic jar stuck over its head (see images).
SLIDESHOW: Images Of Bear Before, After Rescue RAW VIDEO: Bear Cub, Family Released
Because of the jar over the cub's head, the animal likely was barely able to eat or drink.
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) biologists developed a plan to trap the cub, affectionately nicknamed "Jarhead."
"It was a lot easier said than done," said Mike Orlando, FWC. "The residents were really great about calling us when they saw the bears, but it seemed like we were always about 20 minutes behind." Traps were set to catch the cub's mother, which would allow FWC to catch the cubs, but she avoided the baited traps. FWC said they were ready to give up after two days of not seeing the bear family when they received a call about a sighting.
Orlando located the mother and was able to tranquilize her. He, along with the FWC's Brian Scheick, were able to surprise the cubs and grab Jarhead, but not without a fight.
After a time, they were able to subdue the cub and remove the jar, letting it go to rejoin its family. The mother bear was then placed in a sleeping body trap and the cubs joined her.
The FWC then observed the sleeping trap overnight to make the cub was able to nurse and released the family in a nearby, less-populated area (watch raw video).