Entangled Pelican Saved By Quick-Acting Troopers

A little pelican who found itself in big trouble on Friday is on the road to recovery thanks to some quick-thinking members of the Florida Highway Patrol and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

According to FHP Sgt. Steve Gaskins, troopers came across a pelican in the middle of the Skyway Bridge on Friday, Feb. 10. After looking a little more closely at the bird, troopers realized the critter “was caught in fishing line and had fishing hooks impaled in his legs,” Gaskins said.

Complicating matters even more, the bird “was attempting to cross the interstate and posed a danger to the motoring public and himself,” Gaskins said.

Hoping to save the bird and prevent accidents, troopers called in additional support from that agency, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the Road Rangers.

With a little effort, the bird was rescued from the roadway without facing more harm, Gaskins said.

The pelican was taken to Owls Nest Sanctuary for Wildlife to receive care for the injuries the fishing line and hooks created, Gaskins said. The bird is expected to make a complete recovery.

Photos courtesy of the Florida Highway Patrol