Learn How to Safely Release a Hooked Bird

Hooked a bird while fishing?

With just a little extra attention to your surroundings, you and your pelican friends can both have a great day out on the water.

Although its wingspan is over 6 ½ feet, a pelican weighs only 8-10 pounds and your fishing line will hold it. Note: the bird won’t know you are trying to help and will try to defend itself. Pelicans do not have teeth, but they have a hook at the beak’s tip and its edges are sharp and could give you a small “paper” cut. Watch this video to learn how to safely unhook and release a bird.

Click here to download a printable guide to unhooking a bird.

Interested in learning more about pelicans and the problem of fishing gear entanglement?

Check out this in-depth video produced by the Tampa, Saint Petersburg, and Manatee County Audubon Societies.

Learn How to Safely Release a Hooked Bird

Hooked a bird while fishing?

With just a little extra attention to your surroundings, you and your pelican friends can both have a great day out on the water.

Interested in learning more about pelicans and the problem of fishing gear entanglement?

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