An N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission staff member successfully removed a lid from a female bear this morning in Asheville. According to the commission, they received a report from its NC Wildlife Helpline on Thursday evening about a distressed bear. After evaluating the welfare of the bear and the location of the situation, staff members set up traps on Friday and tried to humanely capture the bear. However, after two days, they said a Wildlife Commission biologist saw the bear calm and near unoccupied houses, with no people or other animals around. They go on to say the staff determined, although not without risk, it was the best opportunity available to safely anesthetize the bear and remove the lid. It then took them less than two minutes to remove the lid from the bear, confirm no other signs of injury and wake the bear up. (Fox Carolina)
