In a case that highlights the importance of Michigan’s bear-baiting regulations, state wildlife biologists in Montmorency County recently removed a plastic lid from the neck of a young black bear that had carried the encumbrance around for two years.

MONTMORENCY COUNTY, MI -- State wildlife biologists have freed a black bear that had a plastic lid stuck around its neck. They believe the bear has been living with the lid around its neck for two years.

The bear weighed about 110 pounds, which is standard for a growing 2-year-old black bear, according to DNR. It has significant scarring and an abscess on its neck. However, DNR said the bear seemed healthy. The bear was released back onto the property once the anesthesia wore off.