Swan Caught In Fishing Line, Hook Rescued On LI Lake Was In 'Easily Avoidable' Situation

LONG ISLAND, NY — A swan caught in fishing line with a hook attached to its body was rescued from Lake Ronkonkoma on Monday.

Strong Island Animal Rescue got a call about a swan with a fishing hook and line stuck on its neck and wing making it unable to fly last week, but rescuers were unable to nab the bird after multiple attempts, the group's founder told Patch.

"Dozens of rescuers came together, amazing rescuers, and they had boats," he said, adding that it was a combination of boats and kayaks, as well as rescuers on land. "The swan was super invasive and was unable to be caught."

It was too fast and on the run, or so to speak.

They failed to catch it, again, in "a good attempt" on Easter Sunday, Floridia said.

Eventually, on Monday, Strong Island teamed up with a pair of rescuers from the Sweetbriar Nature Center in nearby Smithtown and set out on a boat.

It was not an easy task, and, it didn't help the efforts any that the rescuers were only able to use a boat with an electric motor because oil-fueled systems are not allowed on the lake to protect the water's quality.

But after some deft navigating, the group was able to get close enough for Floridia to net the swan and it was wrangled onto the boat.

Afterward, the bird was brought back to shore and the line and hook cut from around its body.

Despite the entanglement, there was no infection present and the swan was given a clean bill of health.

"He was able to spread his wings and fly and do the regular things that swans do," Floridia said.

As it spread its wings, a rescuer jokingly said, "See you later. Don't get in any trouble."

It was a unique situation.

"This could have been easily avoided if people clean up their fishing line, and be more responsible," he said. "The rescue is urging people to please clean up their lines and be responsible with their trash."