MINE HILL, N.J. (AP) — A New Jersey veterinarian has removed an arrow from the face of a black bear.

The bruin carried the projectile for six months and managed to survive the winter.

The arrow was wedged from the top of the bear's nose, through its tongue to the bottom portion of its jaw.

State Fish and Wildlife officials tranquilized the animal after people reported seeing it near New Egypt Raceway.

Dr. Steven Hodes tells The Star-Ledger of Newark he's never seen anything like it. Hodes says the bear was fortunate that he was shot in an area that allowed him to eat and drink.

The bear was released into the Collier Mills Wildlife Management Area.

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Information from: The (Newark, N.J.) Star-Ledger, www.nj.com

Image Courtesy Hodes Veterinary Group