Discarded Fishing Line Traps Bald Eagle on NC’s Haw River

On March 27, Sgt. Claude Smith and Officer Ethan Martin of the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission rescued a bald eagle entangled in fishing line near the Haw River by the B. Everett Jordan Dam in Chatham County, North Carolina.

NC Wildlife officers rescue a bald eagle entangled in fishing line on the Haw River, March 27. Photo credit: North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission via Facebook

A bald eagle struggles in the Haw River after becoming entangled in fishing line near B. Everett Jordan Dam. Photo credit: North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission via Facebook

The eagle was then taken to the American Wildlife Refuge for care. According to updates shared on the refuge’s official Facebook page, the bird is exercising her wings and gradually losing excess weight as part of her preparation for release.

A full recovery for the eagle relies on rebuilding her flight strength and maintaining her ability to catch prey. Federal law states that an eagle must be capable of sustained flight and independent feeding before it can return to the wild.

Wildlife hospitals regularly treat raptors for injuries caused by monofilament fishing line wrapped around wings or feet, as well as hooks lodged after birds seize fish that were hooked. Nest surveys have also documented fishing line woven into eagle nests, creating a hidden hazard for their young.

To help protect wildlife, the North Carolina Monofilament Recovery and Recycling Program asks anglers to put used fishing line and tackle in special recycling tubes at boat ramps and fishing piers. Every piece properly disposed of helps keep eagles and other animals safe from harm.

If you encounter injured wildlife in North Carolina, you can call the Wildlife Enforcement Division at 1-800-662-7137 or (919) 707-0040. To report a federally protected bird, contact the US Fish and Wildlife Service at (919) 856-4786.