Fishing line left behind kills baby bald eagle at Raystown Lake, rangers say

HUNTINGDON COUNTY, Pa. (WJAC) — Raystown Lake authorities are warning anglers not to leave behind fishing tackle after a baby bald eagle was found dead with lines and lures in its beak and talons.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers said the fledgling’s death is not an isolated incident and every year their rangers have to help wildlife entangled in fishing line, hooks and other tackle.

“When any animal becomes entangled in fishing line or netting, a painful struggle ensues,” rangers wrote on Facebook. “The victim typically suffers feather damage and lacerations from the constricting line as they fight to escape. They are unable to move, find food, or escape which ultimately leads to exhaustion, starvation, and dehydration.”

Birds, waterfowl, raptors and turtles are the species most affected by left behind fishing gear, rangers added.

They say that gear like fishing line, hooks, lures and bait should never be left behind and if you see anything that could pose a danger to wildlife, you should pick it up, even if it’s not yours.

“Share your knowledge,” rangers wrote. “Educate friends, family, and neighbors who fish or recreate near water about the harmful impacts of improperly discarded fishing tackle.”

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