Laughing Gull Caught by Fishing Hook Returns to the Wild

Editor’s Note: The laughing gull is part of the CROW CAW (Case A Week) series, which tells the stories of the patients at the Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife on Sanibel Island, the dangers they face, and how we can help protect all of our wildlife. Read previous cases here.

A laughing gull (patient 25-4227) was brought to the Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW) after being found with a fishhook in its wing. Fishhooks often have barbs to prevent a fish from slipping off once hooked, but this can make removal difficult. Fortunately, the hook was easily removed from the bird after a topical local anesthetic was applied.

The wound was then cleaned and bandaged to prevent infection during the healing process. Over the past couple of weeks at CROW, the puncture site has healed well without any signs of infection.

Sanibel is home to over 200 avian species due to its diverse habitats, including beaches, marshes, and mangrove forests. The number of birds on the island generally increases during the winter months as migratory birds flock to the state’s temperate climate. Laughing gulls are one of the gull species that can be found on Sanibel year-round.

During their breeding season, which spans from April to July, these gulls have black heads and red beaks. Non-breeding adults, like this patient, typically have mostly white heads and dark beaks, with dark grey wings that gradually fade into black tips.

Fishermen and shorebirds often frequent the same areas, but improperly disposed of fishing gear can harm wildlife. CROW frequently encounters patients entangled in monofilament lines and caught with hooks.

To address this issue, the Mind Your Line Project on Sanibel aims to reduce the use of monofilament line and fishing gear in natural environments to prevent unintentional harm to wildlife.

This collaborative effort involves organizations on Sanibel and Captiva, including CROW, the City of Sanibel, J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge, the “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society, Sanibel Sea School, and the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation. More information about the project can be found on the project’s website, mindyourline.org.

When fishing, it’s crucial to cast away from birds and refrain from feeding them, as this encourages them to stay around fishermen. Additionally, ensure you dispose of your gear correctly.

Mind Your Line has installed recycling bins for leftover monofilament lines at popular fishing spots around Southwest Florida. By taking these precautions, you can help keep wildlife safe and prevent patients like this one from requiring intensive care at CROW.

Once patients no longer need intensive care, they are transferred to an outdoor enclosure at CROW to begin rehabilitation in a closely monitored environment. After being transferred to the outdoor shorebird enclosure last week, the laughing gull was cleared for release and is now back in the wild, where it belongs.