The Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW) recently conducted a successful intervention to protect one of Captiva’s most famous resident families. On January 13, the organization moved quickly to remove a discarded fishing hook and monofilament line from the nest of bald eagles Connie and Clive, home to their newest eaglet, CE14.
While the Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW) typically follows a policy of non-interference in natural habitats, the presence of man-made debris presented an immediate threat of entanglement and injury to the young eaglet.
A Coordinated Rescue Effort on Captiva Island
The removal process was a collaborative effort requiring official government permits and specialized assistance. Research & Medical Director Dr. Jessica Comolli performed the retrieval with the support of Joshua Tree Inc., whose team provided the necessary height access to reach the nest safely.
The Window to Wildlife team also played a crucial role, utilizing their monitoring equipment to guide Dr. Comolli directly to the debris when it was not visible from her vantage point. This is the second consecutive year that human-generated materials have been removed from this specific nest, highlighting a recurring challenge for local wildlife.
Protecting the Southwest Florida Ecosystem
This event serves as a vital reminder of the impact human activity has on the delicate environment of Sanibel and Captiva. The Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW) urges residents and visitors alike to practice mindful fishing habits to prevent such dangerous situations.
To help protect local species, the public is encouraged to:
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Dispose of Gear Properly: Always use designated bins for old fishing lines and hooks.
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Retrieve Lost Tackle: Whenever possible, safely recover gear that becomes snagged.
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Stay Aware: Monitor your surroundings for birds and other wildlife while fishing.
For those on the islands, Mind Your Line provides specialized monofilament recycling stations throughout Sanibel, Captiva, and the Causeway. Location details can be found at mindyourline.org.
