Oakland County team saves great blue heron trapped in fishing line

In Brandon Township, Michigan, a remarkable rescue operation took place when the Oakland County Sheriff's Search and Rescue Team was called to help a great blue heron found trapped in fishing line on Lake Louise. This unusual call came on a Sunday evening, around 8:30 p.m., which prompted the team to quickly deploy their rescue boats to the location. Upon arrival, they discovered that the bird was tangled in fishing line, which had wrapped around its wings multiple times, leaving it unable to free itself from the perilous situation. Two officers, Ashley Tester and Aubrie Mausolf, waded through the deep waters to reach the bird. To calm it down and facilitate the rescue, they placed a towel over the heron's head. The officers then meticulously worked to untangle the fishing line, a process that took several minutes. Fortunately, the heron did not exhibit any signs of injuries or lacerations, ensuring a positive outcome for the bird's rescue. After its successful liberation, the heron was placed on the shore for a thorough final examination before being safely released back into the water. Sheriff Michael Bouchard expressed pride in the search and rescue team's expanding capabilities, which now extend to rescuing wildlife in distress. He emphasized the importance of preserving the majestic blue herons that inhabit Michigan's lakes and marshes, highlighting that the team was well-prepared for such unexpected situations. Lieutenant Brian Burwell from the Search and Rescue Team noted the seriousness of the entanglement, emphasizing that it was unlikely the bird would have survived without their intervention. The fishing line had originated from an errant cast, likely stuck in a tree, which ultimately led to the unfortunate entanglement of the great blue heron. To prevent future incidents for wildlife, the fishing line was removed. This incident serves as a vital reminder of the impact human activity can have on local wildlife and the importance of being mindful when engaging in recreational activities like fishing.