A 2-year-old black bear is lucky to be alive after getting a Cheese Balls container stuck over its head near
The bear had been spotted by numerous residents in recent days. Some called for help, but by the time a wildlife official would make it to the area, the bear would be gone, the Glenwood Springs Post Independent reported.
Jim Hawkins, owner of Four Mile Creek Bed and Breakfast, says his wife spotted the bear by a pond on their property. A few days later, Jim spotted the bear himself.
That’s when Hawkins decided to take matters into his own hands. He grabbed a rope and gloves, and prepared for the bear to return.
On Wednesday, he spotted the bear on his property again. Hawkins threw a loop to lasso the bear and a brief tussle ensued, according to the Glenwood Springs Post Independent.
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Shortly after, the bear climbed up a tree and Hawkins was able to tie the rope off so the bear couldn’t run away.
Carbondale District Wildlife Officer John Groves made his way to Hawkins’ property where he tranquilized the bear, and used shears to cut the container loose, the Post Independent said.
The bear’s claws scratched Hawkins, requiring him to get stitches on one of his arms.
Wildlife officials urge people not to interact with wildlife, but say Hawkins' heart was in the right place.
The bear was given a reversal drug, and was returned to the wild.
Customers at the bed and breakfast got a kick out of watching the whole ordeal, Hawkins said.
