Heroic action by a resident of the Four Mile area outside of Glenwood Springs probably saved a black bear from a death sentence.

A 2-year-old black bear was spotted for at least the past week in Four Mile with a clear plastic Cheese Balls container stuck over its entire head. Concerned residents would call in with pleas to help the jug-headed bear, but by the time a wildlife officer could get up the valley — 5 miles from the Roaring Fork Valley floor — the bear would be gone, said Area Wildlife Manager Perry Will.

Jim Hawkins, owner of Four Mile Creek Bed and Breakfast, helped corral the bear using a rope as it crossed his property Wednesday. “He was just a little bear with a big problem,” Hawkins said.

Carbondale District Wildlife Officer John Groves hightailed it to the bed and breakfast after getting the call and tranquilized the bear. They used tin shears to cut the heavy plastic off the bruin’s head. Groves applied a reversal drug and the bear snapped out of its slumber in a few minutes. He took a drink then ambled off, Groves said. He estimated its chances for survival were high.