Osprey dies from fishing line entanglement in Colorado park

In the summer of 2025, Colorado's St. Vrain State Park staff made a tragic discovery when they found a fledgling osprey hanging from its nest platform. The bird had swallowed several feet of fishing line and hooks, which led to it being unable to escape to either the ground or back to its nest, ultimately resulting in its death. Park officials suggested that the osprey likely ingested the fishing line from an unattended line with fish bait left by humans. This incident highlights a growing problem in the state, as there have been multiple cases of wildlife being injured or killed due to improper disposal of fishing gear. The park's staff remarked that litter, including fishing lines and hooks, is damaging to the local wildlife, leading to preventable deaths among various species, including geese, herons, pelicans, and turtles. They emphasized the need for the public to take responsibility for their waste, advocating for the Leave No Trace principle to help protect the wildlife in the area. Additionally, the state has seen conservation efforts aimed at addressing such issues. These efforts are becoming increasingly urgent given the frequency of injuries and fatalities among local wildlife caused by fishing tackle. The park staff reiterated that human actions were directly leading to these tragedies, urging the community to be more mindful and responsible when enjoying outdoor recreational activities.