Bear rescued after days with plastic barrel stuck on head in Spain

A brown bear was discovered near Anllares del Sil, northwest of Madrid, Spain, on September 13, after wandering for days with a plastic barrel stuck on its head. Local resident Borja Martínez spotted the bear while on a morning walk and immediately contacted the Brown Bear Foundation (FOP). The bear appeared disoriented and was unable to navigate its surroundings due to the barrel obstructing its vision, which likely led to its erratic movements and inability to find food or water. Upon receiving the report, FOP president Guillermo Palomero García coordinated with local authorities to assess the situation. They confirmed that the bear had likely approached the barrel, which contained corn, in search of food. Weighing only 98.5 kg, the bear was underweight and had been deprived of sustenance for several days, raising concerns about its health and survival. Veterinarians arrived on the scene and used a tranquilliser gun to sedate the bear, allowing them to safely remove the barrel. After the extraction, they fitted the bear with a GPS tracking collar to monitor its movements post-rescue. The bear was revived with another injection and, according to Mr. Palomero, was found to be in good condition following the ordeal. This incident highlights the challenges wildlife faces due to human-related waste and the importance of prompt action in wildlife rescue efforts. The successful intervention not only saved the bear but also underscored the need for awareness regarding the impact of littering on animal habitats.