NOAA Fisheries Rescues Entangled Brown Pelican in Panama City

PANAMA CITY, FL – A brown pelican sought assistance from NOAA Fisheries staff in Panama City on Sept. 17, 2026, after becoming entangled in fishing gear.

Biologists observed the bird repeatedly hitting its beak against a door. Upon investigation, they discovered the pelican was ensnared in heavy-duty fishing line. A double-barbed treble hook was embedded in its right wing, and cactus spines were lodged in its foot.

NOAA Fisheries staff, accustomed to handling marine predators like sharks, used their skills to safely restrain and assist the distressed bird. They cut away and removed the hook and several feet of monofilament line wrapped around its wing. The procedure took about 10 minutes.

According to NOAA Fisheries, the bird remained calm during the rescue. After removing the hook, line, and spines, and thoroughly checking the bird, staff released it. The pelican then flew away.

To prevent similar wildlife incidents, NOAA Fisheries urges the public to discard fishing line properly. Recommendations include placing used line in secure containers, disposing of it in designated recycling bins, and considering the use of barbless hooks.