How to Remove a Hook from a Seagull

Hooks are dangerous objects for seagulls. It is not a rare occurrence for a seagull to get snagged by a fishing line or to swallow a hook. Once you have seen a seagull that is suffering from a hook snag, you should try to remove the hook as quickly as possible. Untreated hook injuries lead to infection or permanent damage to the bird. Ideally, removing a hook from a seagull is a two-person job.

Things You'll Need

  • Casting net or hoop
  • Towel or cloth
  • Wire cutters
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Instructions

    • 1

      Reel the bird in very slowly. If you accidentally caught a bird with your fishing line, you must ensure that no further damage is done. Reeling the bird in quickly causes injuries, such as ripping the skin or frightening the bird, which leads to flailing and injuring itself more. Stop reeling in the bird once it is about 6 feet from the boat or shore.

    • 2

      Instruct another person to toss a casting net or hoop into the water near the bird. Throw bait or fish into the casting net or hoop, which coaxes the bird into going near the net.

    • 3

      Pull the net up once the bird is at least three-quarters of the way inside the net. Pull the fishing line up at the same time as the other person pulls up the net. This ensures that the hook is not pulled inside the skin or the bill of the bird.

    • 4

      Bring the bird inside the boat or on the shore. Have one person grab the bird's skull. Seagulls have small heads; grab the bird behind the eyes, not at the neck.

    • 5

      Place a towel or a cloth over the head while one person is still firmly holding the skull behind the eyes.

    • 6

      Hold the wings flat against the body to avoid flapping. Have the person holding the bird's head hold the wings down as well.

    • 7

      Locate the hook by looking over the body of the bird or following the fishing line to the hook. If the hook is in the wing, extend that wing while keeping the other wing flat against the body.

    • 8
      Push the hook until the pointed barb is exposed.

      Push the hook through the skin until the barb of the hook is exposed. Cover the barb to avoid losing it, then cut the barb with wire cutters. Gently remove the hook from the skin.

    • 9

      Look over the bird to ensure there are no additional injuries.