The pelican was tangled in fishing line and had hooks in his legs, the Florida Highway Patrol said.

PINELLAS COUNTY – The Florida Highway Patrol saved a pelican troopers found in the Skyway Bridge median.

Troopers said they saw the pelican Friday (Feb. 10) in the median of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge showing signs of distress because it was caught in fishing line and had fishing hooks impaled in his legs. The pelican was attempting to cross the interstate and posed a danger to the motoring public and himself.

Additional state troopers, officers from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and Road Rangers responded to the area and helped catch the pelican. The bird was transferred to Owl’s Nest Sanctuary for Wildlife where he is expected to make a full recovery.

For information about the Florida Highway Patrol, go to flhsmv.gov.

Photos courtesy of the Florida Highway Patrol.

Florida Highway Patrol | Troopers | Pelican | Pelican Saved | Sunshine Skyway Bridge | TB Reporter

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