Owl in fishing line ordeal
These were the scenes today as an owl was rescued by Midlands firefighters after getting stuck on fishing tackle line leaving it dangling over a pool for hours.
The alarm was raised at 8.45am by a passer-by walking alongside the pools at Broadwaters Park, Kidderminster.
He spotted the tawny owl dangling just three feet from the water after getting its right wing trapped in a discarded angling line.
The distressed bird was probably stuck there for several hours as it hunts at night.
Firefighters had to use a special inflatable raft to reach the stricken owl which was still conscious despite the agonising ordeal.
Fishing is not allowed on the pool ,which is popular with young children in the area and contains several species of fish including carp.
The director of the Falconry Centre in Hagley, John Akerman, escorted the firefighters to the owl and cut the line with a penknife.
Mr Akerman brought the bird safely back to shore and took it to the rescue centre for treatment.
He said: "It's just totally irresponsible for anglers to leave line hanging from trees. The owl has suffered a great deal of pain and could have muscle damage to its wing.
"They are nocturnal creatures and hunt at night. It could have been dangling there for many hours."
Popular stories:
- Find bargains with StarBidz
- Video: £5 million nightclub unveiled
- Speaking out over gun gangs
- Tributes to hero schoolboy
- Video: Weekend football review