Anglers warned of discarding line after owl injured in Platte County

This barred owl's wing became entangled in discarded fishing line that was also tangled on a tree limb over a private fishing lake. Luckily, the owl was rescued and is expected to be released back to the wild. But anglers should be aware that it is important to recycle or carefully dispose of used fishing line, don't leave it on the bank or in the water. Littering is harmful to people and wildlife. Photo submitted by Daniel Haus/Courtesy MDC — This barred owl’s wing became entangled in discarded fishing line that was also tangled on a tree limb over a private fishing lake. Photo submitted by Daniel Haus/Courtesy MDC

Conservation officials are asking anglers to carefully dispose of used fishing line after an owl was injured in Platte County when it became entangled.

According to the Missouri Department of Conservation, Saturday a barred owl was found with fishing line wrapped around its wing, hanging helplessly from a tree limb at a private fishing lake.

Daniel and Debbie Haus of Kansas City are Missouri Master Naturalists and volunteers at the Lakeside Nature Center in Swope Park, which does wildlife rehabilitation. According to a news release, the volunteers answered the call for help and rescued the barred owl. Officials are hopeful that the owl escaped serious injury and can soon be released back to the wild.

“Not all wildlife is as lucky, though. Birds, mammals and reptiles that frequent lakes and streams can become entangled in fishing line and suffer severe injuries or death. Anglers are urged to dispose of used fishing line carefully, and any littering is a disservice to people and wildlife. Some fishing spots have bins to collect old fishing line so it can be recycled,” the MDC said.

For more information on fishing line recycling programs in Missouri, visit http://www.mostreamteam.org/mrrp.asp