Bear with cheese-ball container stuck on head rescued

A 2-year-old black bear is lucky to be alive after sticking its head in cheese-ball container near Glenwood Springs, Colo.

Numerous residents had spotted the bear 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, said his wife spotted the bear beside a pond on their property. A few days later, Hawkins spotted the bear himself.

That’s when he 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 paper.

Shortly after, the bear climbed a tree and Hawkins was able to tie the rope 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, according to the Post Independent.

The bear’s claws scratched Hawkins, requiring him to get stitches on his arm. Wildlife officials urge people not to interact with wildlife, but said Hawkins' heart was in the right place.

The bear was given a drug to reverse the effects of the tranquilizer and was returned to the wild.

Customers at the bed and breakfast got a kick out of watching the adventure unfold, Hawkins said.

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