Grebe gaining strength after it was found tangled up in a fishing net
By Joanna Fitzgerald | Director of the von Arx Wildlife Hospital
A pied-billed grebe was among the 42 animals admitted to the von Arx Wildlife Hospital at the Conservancy of Southwest Florida this past week. Other admissions include an American kestrel, a snowy egret, an evening bat, and two peninsula cooters.
The pied-billed grebe was admitted after it was noticed struggling in the water entangled in a fishing net. A Conservancy Volunteer Critter Courier recruited a friend and headed out to try and rescue the grebe. The grebe attempted to dive when approached by its rescuers. By carefully pulling on the fishing net they were able to retrieve the grebe and contain it for transport to the von Arx Wildlife Hospital.
One section of the net was wrapped tightly around the grebe’s neck while another section was wrapped around the bird’s left leg. The skin on the back of the grebe’s neck and leg was lacerated from the netting and circulation was compromised in both areas.
Hospital staff immediately removed the monofilament netting. The grebe was given pain medication and an anti-inflammatory and received low energy laser therapy to reduce pain and swelling. Staff placed the grebe in an animal intensive care unit to rest.
The next day the grebe looked stronger and was moved from the ICU to the bird room where it eagerly began to self-feed. The laser treatment was continued as well as wound care for the two lacerations. The grebe continues to heal and gain strength as it spends part of its days in the water therapy area of the bird room.
We all need to fish responsibly
Please, if you participate in angling activities, always place unwanted fishing tackle in appropriate trash receptacles. If you miscast and your line or net gets tangled in surrounding rocks, trees and vegetation, be responsible and retrieve the monofilament debris. Hooks, line and netting can become deadly to unsuspecting wildlife if left in the environment.
Recent Releases — 8 Animals Go Home
- 1 evening bat
- 2 eastern cottontails
- 1 Florida box turtle
- 1 grey squirrel
- 3 raccoons
Opportunities to Help
Please visit our website at www.conservancy.org and learn about the many opportunities there are to get involved.
Volunteers are vital in our efforts to assist native wildlife.
If you are unable to give of your time as a volunteer, become a member or donate.
However you choose to become involved, your support will help the Conservancy continue to protect Southwest Florida’s water, land, wildlife and future.