Riverside County Animal Services officer takes plunge to untangle bird wrapped in fishing line

An animal control officer took a dip last week to save a bird tangled in fishing line.

Riverside County Animal Services officer Michael Cox waded toward the bird that was struggling to free itself from some fishing line discarded at Lake Evans at Fairmount Park in Riverside. Once he reached the bird, the water was up to his chest and that’s when the officer realized the fishing line was snagged in a tree, essentially trapping the bird from mobility. Officer Cox needed to watch out for the sharp beak of the black crowned night heron. Frightened by his presence, the heron took a few swipes at Officer Cox.

“From my training, I know water fowl go for your eyes,” Cox said. “I was being very cautious.”

He was able to avoid injury, snipped the line and calmly walked the bird to shore to finish removing all of the line.

His colleague, Officer Mary Salazar, assisted him when get got to dry land and he later emptied his rubber boots filled with Lake Evans water.

Officer Salazar noticed the heron had a hook in one of its wings. They transported the heron to the Western Riverside County/City Animal Shelter in Jurupa Valley where veterinary staffers carefully removed the hook and examined it for any injuries. It was kept overnight for observation.

“Animal rescue comes in all shapes and sizes,” Animal Services Director Erin Gettis said. “I am so proud of officers Cox and Salazar and all the field officers for the work they do to assist any and all critters in need.”

Officer Cox returned to Fairmount Park Sept. 5 and released the heron.

Not too far from the release site, signs advise anglers to discard their lines. Cox said he and his fellow officers get calls frequently for lines tangled in legs and wings.

“If people aren’t cleaning up their fishing lines, it will happen again,” he said. “We hope people realize that they need to be mindful of the wild birds while fishing. Please know that the lines can be harmful – if not fatal – for our feathered friends.”