A laughing gull, rescued after becoming entangled in discarded fishing line at Causeway Islands Park, has been treated and successfully released back into the wild.
The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF) announced that the bird was released on August 15, following expert care at the Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW) on Sanibel. SCCF expressed gratitude to Lee County Parks & Recreation Supervisor James Pittro, who first alerted the team to the gull’s plight and had the honor of releasing it.
While the rescue had a positive outcome, SCCF reminded the public of the ongoing dangers fishing debris can pose to wildlife: “This rescue ended well, but not all do. Please dispose of your fishing line properly in designated receptacles, such as our Mind Your Line recycling stations, available across Sanibel and nearby areas.”
The incident occurred on August 4, when SCCF staff, monitoring the causeway, were notified of the entangled gull. They quickly partnered with Lee County Parks & Recreation to rescue the bird, which was then transported to CROW for urgent treatment.
Upon examination, CROW found that a hook with a short line had embedded itself in the bird’s mouth, passing through sensitive tissue near the glottis and exiting at the base of the tongue. There was mild bruising and inflammation, along with damaged tail feathers and a minor injury on the bird’s left wing—likely from its efforts to free itself.
CROW’s medical team was able to remove the hook successfully, administer pain medication, and begin antibiotics to aid in the bird’s recovery. The gull began eating on its own soon after.
“This case highlights the dangers fishing gear can present to wildlife,” CROW emphasized.
To help prevent similar incidents, CROW and SCCF encourage the public to:
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Properly dispose of fishing lines and hooks.
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Retrieve lost tackle when possible.
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Stay aware of wildlife near fishing areas.
If you notice an animal with a swallowed fishing hook, do not cut the line. Instead, contact CROW at 239-472-3644, ext. 222, or your local wildlife rehabilitation center for guidance.
There are four monofilament recycling stations located on the causeway. For a map of recycling stations, visit Mind Your Line Recycling Stations.
To see a video of the gull’s release, visit Facebook.
