TAMPA BAY, Fla. (WFLA) — Two owl rescues in Tampa Bay last week highlighted the community’s and local law enforcement’s commitment to wildlife conservation.
The first occurred on Wednesday in Polk County, where a barred owl became entangled in fishing line. The owl was hanging from a tree by one of its wings, which had been caught up in the line.
Like many other owl species, barred owls are especially vulnerable to discarded fishing line.
They’re often found in wooded and swampy areas and hunt mostly at dawn and dusk, according to the National Audubon Society. When zeroed in on prey, nearly invisible, non-biodegradable fishing line caught in trees and brush can create an unavoidable hazard for the low-flying raptors…