Lucky Escape For Conwy Gull As Fishing Litter Risk Highlighted
The dangers fishing litter pose to wildlife has been highlighted in Conwy, after RSPCA Cymru rescued an exhausted gull who had a hook through its beak.
Found on the shore of Conwy town on Sunday 20 November, the young black backed gull was also struggling with fishing line wrapped around its body, preventing the bird from flying.
Rescued in an exhausted state, the line and hook were removed from the gull with the recovery process now continuing in RSPCA care.
Injury and death is caused to wild animals every year by fishing litter, with this Conwy gull the latest victim. Hooks can embed or pierce skin, or be swallowed, whilst the blood supply can be cut off an animal if it becomes wrapped in a line.
RSPCA inspector Mike Pugh, who rescued the gull, said:
“Fortunately, we were able to get to this young, exhausted gull in time – freeing it from this dangerous fishing litter. The bird’s recovery process is now on-going in RSPCA care, and we hope it can soon be released back to the wild.
“However, many wildlife are not so lucky – with fishing litter a prominent cause of injury or death among birds.
“From taking unwanted fishing line home, to disposing safely of rubbish, the RSPCA produces a wealth of advice on what to do with fishing litter to prevent situations like this from occurring – so we are reminding anglers to be careful.”
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