Fishing line and hooks wreak havoc

Wildlife news from Jennifer Berry, Wildlife Volunteers Assoc. Inc (WILVOS) 54416200
www.wilvos.org.au

There are many calls to all the wildlife rescue groups reporting sitings of all kinds of animals caught in fishing lines or hooks painfully stuck in beaks, wings and feet. 

It is a particular issue along our coastline. Often the birds that are entangled or have hooks lodged in their body are still mobile and are able to fly and get around. 

Unfortunately, the entanglement impairs their health and their ability to eat or protect themselves. 

One of our dedicated rescuers described an experience with a beautiful White Heron that came through on our WILVOS Hotline, (07 54416200). 

Our rescuer reported he had a lot of calls for this particular bird - WILVOS, Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital, RSPCA, Wildlife Rescue Australia, as well as a few members of the public and followers on his Facebook page.

The rescuer eventually caught the Heron (after about seven trips out, usually arriving in time to see the bird flying off into the distance) when the bird was entranced by a couple of young lads fishing.  

No doubt the bait looked good as he was struggling to eat and was very skinny.

The rescuer was able to get close enough to capture the Heron with a net launcher and then the bird was transported to the Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre at Eumundi for x-rays and hook removal

He recuperated beautifully and was released back to the wild.

Fishing line and hooks are an enduring problem for our wildlife. Anglers please be aware that discarded or entangled lines have long term impacts. 

Please ensure all waste is collected and safely disposed of. 

If anyone comes across this debris, could they please carefully remove it and discard of it appropriately – it would be for the benefit of all.