HOW TO RESCUE ENTANGLED PELICANS AND OTHER BIRDS

Fishing is a great activity for fishermen of all ages, and part of fishing is taking responsibility for managing the fishing line and releasing non-target animals caught by accident. Fishermen carefully release fish that are designated catch-and-release; if a person accidentally snares a bird, they should release it so that it can live wild and free.

The Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Manatee County Audubon Societies worked with videographer Dee Fairbanks Simpson to produce a short documentary (see below) describing the danger of fishing gear to birds, especially pelicans, and how fishermen can safely release entangled birds.

The steps for safely releasing an accidentally hooked bird, provided by the Tampa Audubon Society, are simple:

• Enlist another person to help you hold the bird while you unhook or disentangle it.

• Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes.

• Secure the head firmly, fold the wings against the bird’s body gently, and hold the feet.

• Gently covering the bird’s eye with a towel or cloth will help calm the bird, making it easier to remove the hook or line.

• Use a wire clipper to cut the barb, and back the hook out of the bird’s flesh. Cut and remove any line.

• Check the wings, legs, and body for additional hooks or line, as many birds have been entangled before.

• Point the bird’s head towards the water and step back as you release the bird