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Death of Great Blue Heron in North Park Blamed on Fishing Line Litter
Birds who feed on fish become entangled while walking along the lake.
This article was written and reported by Editor Richard Cook
The Friends of North Park citizens group is reminding anglers in North Park about the deadly consequences of leaving discarded fishing line along the lake's shoreline.
A Great Blue Heron was found hanging 40 feet up in a tree, near the lake, off of Pearce Mills Road over the weekend.
Robert Habegger of the Friends of North Park said it was the result of someone not picking up discarded fishing line.
"Fishing line is one of the worst things for the wildlife," Habegger said. "I've seen small pieces to large clusters of it all along the shoreline."
Habegger said birds who feed on fish, become entangled while walking along the lake.
"It happens a lot," he said. "The birds get snagged and they can't remove the line themselves. It's a real tragedy, and something that can easily be avoided if people would just pick up after themselves."
If anyone observes a Blue Heron with fishing line on its body, please contact the Allegheny County Parks department at 412-350-7275 with details.
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