Tacoma Firefighters rescued an owl this week that had been ensnared by an old fishing line hanging from a tree alongside the Puyallup river. When the crew of Engine 12 arrived, the distressed bird had been dangling helplessly above the water for several hours. A concerned citizen had contacted the Tacoma Fire Department as a last resort after being unable to find assistance elsewhere.
After freeing the owl by using a long pike pole, Firefighter Mark Snyder guided the bird to shore while Lt. Andy Leitner contacted Bird Rescue for instructions on handling. The owl was later examined and treated by a veterinarian. According to Lt. Leitner, the owl suffered no broken bones, but was provided fluids for dehydration. The healthy adult owl is expected to fully recover from the ordeal.
