During a drive through Kettle Creek State Park in Pennsylvania, Sarah Lindgren spotted something unusual on the roadside that compelled her to pull over.
She discovered a troubling sight – a baby animal with its head stuck inside a plastic container.
Without a moment’s delay, she chose to take action and rescue the vulnerable creature.
Her swift decision and compassion changed the fate of a tiny life in peril.
If she hadn’t intervened, the terrified animal might not have made it.
The Rescue Mission
Sarah Lindgren, the Park Manager at Kettle Creek State Park, was on her way to Cross Fork, PA, when she noticed something unusual on the roadside.
“I saw what appeared to be a bear with something on its head lying motionless along the road’s edge. I did a quick scan of the area, knowing the mother was likely not nearby,” Lindgren recalled in her interview with CBS News.
She cautiously approached the creature and discovered it was indeed a bear cub with its head ensnared in a plastic container.
Such a poor little animal! It must have been terrified for its life.
Alone on the roadside, he was waiting for help.
“As I got closer to the cub, he lifted his head up. So, I went into stealth mode to get near him,” Lindgren told The Dodo.
Lindgren then grasped the container and held onto it until she managed to pull it off.
The poor cub was left bewildered and confused afterward, simply standing there staring at her.
“I stayed close to ensure he didn’t run onto the road or fall over,” Lindgren explained. She also began to reassure him that everything was alright now.
“A car drove by, causing him to leap into a tree, where he rested for a few hours,” she added.
The Famous Bear Cub
Lindgren shared a video on her social media detailing her rescue of the bear cub, which quickly went viral.
Thousands watched it, and many were eager to know how the bear was doing afterward, prompting Sarah to share an update.
After notifying the Pennsylvania Game Commission, they concluded that the bear cub was old enough to fend for itself.
“The famous bear cub safely resting in the tree. Mom hasn’t been present throughout this situation, but the cub is capable of surviving independently. While it’s not the best circumstance, he is certainly better off now than he was on Sunday,” Sarah mentioned in her Facebook update.
Lindgren noted that the bear population in Pennsylvania, especially in the area where the cub was found, is quite robust, ensuring that the bear will likely thrive on its own.
“The key takeaway here is to be bear-wise, which means properly securing your trash and food items. That’s an essential part of coexistence with bears. I acted on impulse, and I’m grateful I could step in to help,” Lindgren expressed.
It’s clear that the entire community has grown fond of the little bear and the courageous Sarah, who took action that many would hesitate to undertake.
Throughout her life, Sarah has assisted numerous animals and serves as an exemplary figure for us all.
