Biologists save bear cub with jug stuck on head

State biologists in Asheville removed a large plastic jug stuck on the head of a bear cub on Thursday afternoon, saving the animal’s life, according to the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission. The cub was reported beginning Monday evening through the agency’s Wildlife Helpline and was found in the Haw Creek area of Buncombe County. Officials believe the jug was obtained while the cub foraged for food in an unsecured dumpster near a business, where a trail of trash led away. Biologists located the cub at 12:30 p.m., distracted the mother and another cub, and cut the container off. Authorities urged residents and businesses to secure trash to prevent similar wildlife incidents.