Leftover fishing line may not seem like a big deal—but to ducks, birds, and other wildlife, it can be deadly. When fishing line is left behind, it can get tangled around a bird’s legs, wings, or beak. This causes pain, injuries, and even leads to permanent damage or death.
Since these birds are still able to fly, this makes rescuing them extremely difficult. Our Animal Control Officers often spend days trying to catch an injured bird, and many go untreated because help can't reach them in time.
Please help protect our local wildlife:
- Always cut fishing line into pieces less than 6 inches long (preferably 1-inch). Dispose of it, along with hooks and tackle, in appropriate covered containers, so it does not blow away or become a risk to wildlife.
- Recycle fishing line. Place all broken or used line in a Monofilament line recycling bin. If no recycling bins are available, place broken or used fishing line that has been cut into pieces in a lidded trash can.
- Monofilament fishing line is recyclable.
- Volunteer your time to clean up fishing line debris at local beaches.
- Use biodegradable fishing line that does not have an indefinite life span in the environment.
- Always check gear and terminal tackle. Inspect your gear often to avoid unwanted breaks. Even small amounts of gear in the water can be harmful to wildlife in entangled or ingested.
Use fishing line bins like the one below to properly dispose of fishing line
Let’s all do our part to keep our parks, lakes, and animals safe.
What you leave behind matters!