FOLLY BEACH, S.C. — A routine day on the coast turned into a dramatic wildlife rescue when 17-year-old lifeguard Richard Miller noticed an osprey struggling in the surf. What initially looked like a bird trying to fly turned out to be a dangerous entanglement — the osprey was caught in fishing hooks and unable to escape.
According to a report by One Green Planet, Miller acted quickly, grabbing a surfboard and paddling out to help the distressed bird. His lifeguard training kicked in as he safely guided the osprey back to shore, dodging waves that could have further injured the animal.
Fishing Hooks Found Embedded in Osprey’s Body
Once back on land, Miller contacted wildlife responders, who arrived from the Center for Birds of Prey, a Charleston-based rehabilitation center specializing in injured raptors. Staff transported the osprey for medical evaluation, where it was found to have three fishing hooks embedded in its body, including one lodged in a wing.
Fortunately, no bones were broken, and veterinarians were able to remove the hooks and begin treatment. Officials expect the bird to recover and be released back into the wild…