American White Pelican Tangles In Fishing Line

The following story about an American white pelican was submitted by the Wildlife Rehabilitation Center of Northern Utah.

In April of 2022, rescuers found an adult, American white pelican entangled in fishing line at a pond in Roy, Utah.

During examination we found lacerations to the propatagium of both wings, as well as the shoulder area on his right side. He weighed 5.2 kg (about 11.5 pounds) and his body condition was poor.

We assume he was likely male. His wounds appeared to be at least several days old and required surgical repair.

After adequate rehydration, we began feeding with EmerAid IC Carnivore twice daily. We monitored his weight closely over the next several weeks while transitioning him over to whole fish.

In June he weighed 7.1 kg (about 15.6 pounds). He was released on June 7th at Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge.