fishing line entanglement - Wildlife Rescue Association of BC

Entanglement & Water Recreation

With the increase in aquatic recreation comes an increase in litter in our lakes, rivers, and streams. Thanks to the coronavirus pandemic, we are also seeing a new type of litter: face masks. According to the Ocean Conservancy, 94% of volunteers reported seeing face masks littering the ground daily in their own communities. Unfortunately, the masks are not only unsightly; they can also pose a huge problem to local wildlife, such as the Great Blue Heron. Long-legged wading birds can get their feet tangled in the loops of the face mask. Leg and foot entanglement can also be fatal to smaller birds that make their habitat in the Burnaby Lake area, such as swallows and chickadees.

Protect Your Local Wildlife

Wildlife Rescue provides care to hundreds of animals each year including the Glaucous-winged gulls, pigeons, crows, ravens, and some small songbirds due to improperly discarded waste in the environment. These injuries cause tears, rips and in some cases create difficulty breathing and lead to death in some wildlife.

Help Prevent Entanglements Due to Fishing Lines in Wildlife

Every year, birds migrate remarkably long distances across the globe. Since 1993, people around the world have celebrated this journey in May through International Migratory Bird Day. Some 14 years later, in 2007, the Environment for the Americas took over this day and transformed it into a meaningful way to raise awareness of environmental conservation. As we celebrate this day, we must continue to minimize disruptions to our environment and help make bird migration as seamless as possible, while still taking time to enjoy the great outdoors.

Tag: fishing line entanglement

Entanglement & Water Recreation

Protect Your Local Wildlife

Help Prevent Entanglements Due to Fishing Lines in Wildlife

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