See the moment before a woodpecker trapped in fishing line was rescued from canal
A woodpecker flaps uncontrollably above a canal after getting caught in fishing line, moments before he was rescued by the RSPCA.
The bird had a barbed hook in his wing, while fishing line was also wrapped around him and to a tree, as he swung 'like a pendulum' above the water.
The animal charity today released video of the trapped bird, as they issued a warning to fisherman about the dangers of discarded equipment.
The great spotted woodpecker was caught over the canal in Gravelly Way, near Four Ashes, last Friday.
RSPCA inspector Kate Parker, who rescued the woodpecker, said: “He was clearly struggling and panicking in a bid to free himself - he was swinging like a pendulum.
“I was able to safely free him and I took him to a local wildlife centre so he could be observed, as we don’t know how long he was stuck for.
"It could have been so much worse for him - in the past we have had birds who have been strangled to death because of fishing lines, or choked on discarded fishing hooks.
“It is very frustrating as this could have been so easily avoided if someone had disposed of their fishing line correctly in the first place. Most anglers make the effort to retrieve and take home all their fishing line and tackle but some are not so careful, which result in incidents like this.
“We urge people to think twice and please dispose of their rubbish correctly, as hooks and lines can cause horrific injuries to wildlife. With a little more thought and care, an animal could be spared suffering.”
Officers from the charity rescued 697 animals from discarded fishing lines and other angling litter, such as hooks and barbs, last year.
The woodpecker was taken to Cuan Wildlife Centre, in Shropshire, where staff helped him back to health ahead of a planned release into the wild today.
The charity is urging people to:
● Take unwanted fishing line home and cut it into pieces before putting in the bin.
● Be aware of surrounding trees – discarded line caught in foliage causes problems for wildlife.
● Don’t leave bait unattended – always remove from the hook and put in safe place.
● Use a bait box.
● Dispose of any litter you see, even if it’s not your own.
