CROW reminds public to ‘Mind Your Line’
The Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife recently reported that an adult laughing gull was admitted from the Sanibel Causeway after it was found entangled in fishing line and unable to move. Upon examination, monofilament (fishing) line and a lure were wrapped around its body. The line was constricting the right leg to the point where the gull’s feet were cold to the touch. Veterinarians removed the bundle of entanglement, took X-rays to ensure there were no hidden hooks and provided antibiotics to prevent infection. Three days later, the gull was moved outdoors to continue rehabilitation. CROW thanked the person who brought in the gull for if it had come in any later the outcome may have not been as successful. It asked that the public encourage others to kindly dispose of fishing gear properly in order to protect marine life, wildlife and the environment. Line, hooks and lures left on beaches, in mangroves, and on bridges and overpasses can cause injury to wild animals, and even people. For more information on reducing the impact of fishing gear on the environment, visit https://mindyourline.org/.