Rhode Island Environmental Officials Save Owl Caught In Fishing Line In Narragansett

NARRAGANSETT, RI — Police officers with the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) saved an owl on Sunday that got caught in a fishing line and became suspended under the Sprague Bridge in Narragansett.

DEM officials said they received several calls from birdwatchers about the entangled owl. Environmental police arrived and unsuccessfully tried to free the owl by jury-rigging a tool made of boat hooks, duct tape and a knife.

Then, after regrouping, an environmental police officer paddled under the bridge in a kayak and freed the bird. The officer cut the tangled line and safely captured and brought the owl to the Wildlife Clinic of Rhode Island (Wildlife Rehabilitators Association of Rhode Island) for evaluation.

Anyone who finds an injured animal should call DEM's 24-hour dispatch center at 401-222-3070, and check out the Wildlife Rehabilitators Association of Rhode Island's website for resources and tips.