Bald Eagle with a Fishing Hook in its Beak

On March 3rd, we received a juvenile Bald Eagle with a fishing hook stuck in its beak. The hook damaged the outside of the beak and penetrated the sinus cavity, creating a 4mm defect.

After admission to the Raptor Hospital, our team cleaned the wound and administered fluids, anti-inflammatories, antibiotics, and pain medications while carefully monitoring the patient’s food intake. With time, the defect has healed. Our team is confident that the injury will not cause any long-term implications and our patient is on track for release back into the wild.

This Bald Eagle’s story is a good reminder to fish responsibly this season. Hooking a bird is not uncommon, but the next step you take will determine the fate of the bird. Cutting the line is not recommended and will lead to starvation and death.

For instructions and additional information on unhooking a bird, check out the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Don’t Cut the Line campaign.