Owl Rescued From Tangled Fishing Line Is Released Back Into The Wild

April 6, 2018

A barred owl — better known as a hoot owl — rescued near Century back in January has been released back into the wild.

The female owl was successfully rehabilitated and released near Walnut Hill on Thursday.

NorthEscambia.com first brought you the story about the owl on January 28, the morning after it was found hanging by a wing that was tangled in fishing line at Salter’s Lake. After being rescued by a group of local residents, the owl was picked up by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and transported to the Wildlife Sanctuary of Northwest Florida.

Ben Preston, David Preston, Ross Daughdrill, Lakelynn Parker and Tammy Parker were hunting when Ben Preston went out to retrieve a duck that had fallen into a wooded area. He came upon the owl hanging from the fishing line. They covered the owl with a bag while the fishing line was cut.  Ben and Lakelynn wrapped the owl in Ben’s jacket and put him in their boat.

They called the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, and a FWC officer met them at the Salter’s Lake Boat Ramp to pick up the owl.

The FWC warns that that monofilament fishing line and fishing hooks can snag and entangle birds, sea turtles and manatees, leading to injury and even death.

“People can prevent injury and death to wildlife by committing to stop litter of tackle and monofilament line,” said FWC biologist Ricardo Zambrano.

Tackle should be checked frequently for frayed line that may easily break. Unwanted or damaged line should be stored safely and securely until it can be placed in a recycling bin. The FWC urges those outdoors to pick up, secure and appropriate dispose of any fishing line they may see.

Photos by Ross Daughdrill and Tammy Parker for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.

Comments

3 Responses to “Owl Rescued From Tangled Fishing Line Is Released Back Into The Wild”

  1. A. Alex on April 6th, 2018 9:56 am

    Love these great stories. WHO WHO

  2. tg on April 6th, 2018 8:58 am

    Owl says Thank You Very Much.

  3. ELW on April 6th, 2018 8:31 am

    Great thing these young people did. Bless them and the real animals of this world.

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under FEATURE TOP STORY, Features, News