By Angie Sullivan
As fishing season picks up across Georgina, Shades of Hope Wildlife Refuge in Pefferlaw is reminding residents that discarded fishing tackle can be deadly for birds and other wildlife.
Gail Lenters, founder of Shades of Hope, said, “We have admitted hundreds of wild patients over the years with injuries caused by entrapment in, or ingestion of, fishing tackle. The most commonly admitted animals in these cases are waterfowl and raptors.”
The problem increases at this time of year, as anglers return to Lake Simcoe, local creeks, docks and shoreline fishing spots. Fishing line, hooks, lead sinkers and jigs can all become hazards when they are left behind or lost in the water.
Water birds can become tangled in fishing line while swimming. Songbirds may use fishing line as nesting material, which can then entangle both parents and babies. Wildlife may swallow hooks, sinkers or jigs while looking for food.
Lenters said, “Animals caught in fishing line often suffer feather damage and lacerations as the line tightens around them while they struggle to escape. Once tangled, they may be unable to move, find food or get away from predators.”
Discarded hooks can also cause serious injuries. When swallowed, a hook may lodge in an animal’s mouth, esophagus or stomach, causing internal bleeding, tissue damage, pain and even death. Lead sinkers and jigs can also cause lead toxicity in species such as swans, loons and raptors.
There are also simple ways anglers and shoreline visitors can help prevent injuries.
Fishing line, hooks, lures, bait containers and packaging should always be packed out and disposed of properly. Broken or tangled line should be cut into small pieces before being thrown away so it cannot trap an animal later. Snagged hooks and lures should be retrieved whenever it is safe to do so.
Anglers can also consider using barbless hooks and lead-free sinkers, and should avoid fishing near nesting birds, basking turtles or areas where waterfowl are feeding.
Residents walking near shorelines can also help by picking up discarded fishing line or tackle when it is safe.
The refuge is urging residents not to cut fishing line and release an animal if they find it tangled. The line may still be wrapped tightly around the animal, causing further injury, infection or death.
Animals injured by fishing line, hooks or lead require proper medical assessment and treatment.
To learn more or donate, visit Shades of Hope
If you find an animal you suspect needs care, please reach out to the refuge at 705-437-4654.
