Fact Check: Michigan bear survived two years with a plastic lid stuck around its neck!

What We Know

In June 2025, wildlife biologists from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) successfully removed a plastic lid that had been stuck around the neck of a young black bear for two years. This incident occurred in Montmorency County, where the bear was first spotted as a cub in 2023 on trail cameras. The lid, which had a 5-inch hole, is similar to those used for 55-gallon drum containers, commonly utilized by hunters for bear baiting and by landowners for storing materials that attract bears, such as chicken feed (DNR biologists remove lid stuck on bear's neck for 2 years, Michigan bear finally free of lid that was stuck on its neck for ...).

Despite the lid's presence, the bear was able to survive and maintain a healthy weight of 110 pounds, which is typical for a two-year-old bear. However, it did suffer from significant scarring and an abscess on its neck due to the prolonged encumbrance (Michigan DNR removes plastic lid stuck on bear's neck ..., Bear necessity: lid stuck around US animal's neck removed ...).

Analysis

The claim that a Michigan bear survived for two years with a plastic lid around its neck is substantiated by multiple credible sources, including reports from the Michigan DNR and various news outlets. The DNR's official report details the bear's condition and the circumstances surrounding its capture and the removal of the lid. The information provided by state wildlife specialists, such as Cody Norton, adds credibility to the account, as it comes from professionals directly involved in the situation (Michigan rescues black bear whose head was stuck in ..., Plastic lid removed from Michigan bear's neck after 2-year ...).

The sources used in this fact-check are reliable, including government reports and established news organizations like NBC News and The Guardian. These outlets have a history of accurate reporting and adhere to journalistic standards, which enhances the trustworthiness of the information presented (Michigan bear finally free of lid that was stuck on its neck for ..., Bear necessity: lid stuck around US animal's neck removed ...).

Conclusion

The claim that a Michigan bear survived for two years with a plastic lid stuck around its neck is True. The evidence from multiple reputable sources confirms the bear's survival and the circumstances of the lid's removal, including the bear's health condition post-removal. The incident highlights the importance of responsible waste management and the potential dangers of improper baiting practices in wildlife management.

Fact Check: Michigan bear survived two years with a plastic lid stuck around its neck!