An owl that was trapped in old fishing line hanging from a tree along the Puyallup River was rescued by Tacoma firefighters this week.
When the crew of Engine 12 arrived, the entangled bird had been dangling helplessly above the water for several hours. A concerned bystander called the Tacoma Fire Department as a last resort after being unable to find help 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 how to handle the bird.
The owl was later examined and treated by a veterinarian.
According to Leitner, the owl suffered no broken bones but received fluids for dehydration. The adult owl is expected to fully recover.