Fact Check: "Bear first spotted as a cub in 2023, evaded capture for two years."
What We Know
A black bear in Michigan was first spotted on trail cameras in 2023 while it was still a cub. The bear had its head stuck in a plastic lid, which it carried around for two years. According to reports, the bear was elusive during this time, frequently appearing in trail camera photos but disappearing before wildlife officials could intervene (New York Times, AP News). The bear was finally captured in June 2025, when it was approximately two years old, and the lid was removed (Detroit News, Global News).
Analysis
The claim that the bear was first spotted as a cub in 2023 and evaded capture for two years is supported by multiple reliable sources. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) confirmed that they first became aware of the bear in 2023 through trail camera footage (AP News). The bear's ability to evade capture for two years is corroborated by wildlife experts who noted its elusive nature during this period (Detroit News).
The sources used in this fact-check are credible, including major news outlets and official statements from wildlife authorities. The New York Times, AP News, and Detroit News are reputable sources known for their journalistic integrity and fact-checking standards. The information provided aligns consistently across these sources, reinforcing the accuracy of the claim.
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The claim that the bear was first spotted as a cub in 2023 and evaded capture for two years is accurate. The evidence from multiple credible sources confirms both the timeline of the bear's sightings and its eventual capture after a prolonged period of evasion.
Sources
- Bear Whose Head Was Stuck for Two Years Is Freed - New York Times
- A Michigan bear roamed the woods for two years with an awful lid on his ... - AP News
- After 2 years with a lid stuck on its neck, a Michigan black bear is ... - Detroit News
- Black bear finally freed of lid that was stuck on its neck for 2 years ... - Global News
