Pelicans Intentionally Injured At Skyway Fishing Pier: FWC

MANATEE COUNTY, FL — Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is investigating reports of people harming brown pelicans at the Skyway Fishing Pier on the Manatee County side of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge.

“The FWC takes seabird conservation seriously and anyone found to be intentionally injuring pelicans will be charged accordingly,” the FWC posted to its Facebook page Tuesday.

Rescuers said 17 pelicans have been found scalped along the pier in recent weeks, 8 On Your Side reported.

Anyone with information about anyone intentionally injuring pelicans at the fishing pier should call the Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-3922, FWC said. Callers can remain anonymous and could be eligible for a reward.

The FWC said that anyone who accidentally hooks a pelican while fishing should reel the bird in slowly, carefully remove the hook by cutting the barb and pulling the hook out, and then release it.

Watch this video from the FWC on how to safely unhook a pelican caught on a fishing hook.