Second Osprey Dies in Tampa After Fishing Line Entanglement

Preventable Bird Deaths in Tampa

• 💔 A young osprey was found dead, entangled in fishing line and hanging from a cable line above a Tampa bypass canal.
• ⚠️ This marks the second bird death in the same location and manner within a few months, highlighting a recurring and preventable issue.

Previous Rescue and Outcome

• 🎣 In January, a similar incident involved an osprey tangled in fishing line and lures, dangling from the same cable line.
• 😔 Rescuers were able to reach and rescue that bird using bucket trucks, but it sadly died hours later due to the severe entanglement.

Challenges in Access and Prevention

• 🔒 Access to the cable line is restricted by metal doors operated by the cable company that owns the line.
• 📞 Bird rescuers have attempted to collaborate with the cable company to establish a plan for quicker access during future entanglement emergencies.
• 📉 The Raptor Center suggests the cable company could clean the entangled lines or consider raising the height of the cable line to prevent future incidents.

Ongoing Vigilance

• 🔍 Rescuers are maintaining a close watch on the location, hoping to intervene quickly if another bird becomes entangled.
• 🗣️ Fox 13 News has reached out to the cable company for comment but has not yet received a response.