On Thursday morning, a routine jog along a Mesa walking trail turned into a wildlife rescue when a passerby spotted an owl hanging by one wing from a power pole. The bird was tangled in discarded fishing line, a hazard that can quickly become fatal for birds and other wildlife.
Quick response from local first responders
Firefighters from Engine 201, part of the Mesa Fire and Medical Department, were dispatched immediately after the jogger called 911. Working alongside crews from the Salt River Project (SRP), the team carefully cut the fishing line and lowered the distressed owl to the ground.
Once on the ground, the firefighters wrapped the owl in a blanket to keep it calm while SRP’s avian‑protection specialist arrived to provide professional care. The specialist will transport the owl to a rehabilitation facility where it can receive the treatment it needs before being released back into the wild.
Why fishing line is a hidden danger
Fishing line, especially when discarded improperly, poses a serious threat to birds, mammals, and other wildlife that can become ensnared. The thin, nearly invisible material can wrap around wings, legs, or beaks, leading to injury, starvation, or death.
Fire officials used the incident as an opportunity to remind Mesa residents of the importance of proper disposal. “We appreciate the jogger who called us and saved this owl,” said a Mesa Fire Department spokesperson. “We urge everyone to reel in and properly discard any fishing line to protect our local wildlife and keep our community safe.”
How to help if you see an animal in distress
Authorities advise the public not to approach injured wildlife, especially near power lines, as this can endanger both the animal and the responder. Instead, callers should dial 911 and provide clear details about the location and condition of the animal.
For sick, injured, or orphaned animals found on or near SRP facilities, residents can call the dedicated wildlife line at (602) 236‑BIRD. The hotline connects callers directly with SRP’s wildlife specialists, who can dispatch trained personnel to assess and assist the animal.
Community stewardship and wildlife safety
This rescue underscores the role that everyday citizens play in safeguarding the environment. Simple actions—like properly disposing of fishing line, picking up litter, and reporting wildlife in trouble—can make a big difference.
As Mesa continues to grow, the partnership between fire services, utility crews, and the public remains essential for protecting both residents and the natural world that shares the city’s spaces.
Original reporting: azfamily KTVK/KPHO Phoenix (news) — read the source article.
