Young Western Gull Entangled in Fishing Gear in La Jolla | Wildlife Jewels

Wildlife Jewels RescueThreats to WildlifeWildlife Jewels EYESFishing Gear Entanglement

Aug 22

Young Western Gull Entangled in Fishing Gear in La Jolla | Wildlife Jewels

💔 She is only about two months old.

It was devastating today to find one of the precious Western Gull fledglings documented through Wildlife Jewels’ near-daily EYES monitoring since her parents were nesting, now caught in a nightmare of fishing line and a large lure.
The line is wrapped so tightly around her beak that she cannot properly open it to eat or drink. She can still fly, making rescue especially difficult.

One of her parents stood right beside her, looking directly at her as she struggled. It was heartbreaking to witness.

This is what discarded fishing line, hooks, and lures can do to wildlife. In La Jolla, young gulls are fledging, resting, and learning to forage in the same coastal areas where fishing activity continues to put them at risk. Lost and discarded gear can turn these essential coastal habitats into deadly hazards.

Now we need to find her. She can still fly and may return to her nest cliff or nearby areas around Shell Beach and Point La Jolla. Finding her quickly is critical.

🚨 If you see this Gull in La Jolla:

Stay on site and keep her in sight from a safe distance until a rescuer arrives. Immediately:

Call SeaWorld Rescue at (800) 541-7325.

Submit a report to Wildlife Jewels Rescue at wildlifejewels.org/report-wildlife.

She has only just begun her life. We need to find her before this deadly fishing gear takes that chance away.

If you see an entangled, injured, or distressed bird in the La Jolla area, please report it immediately:

wildlifejewels.org/report-wildlife

Community reports play an important role in helping responders locate wildlife in need, assess conditions, and determine whether rescue may be possible.

Every survey matters. Every report matters. Every life matters.

Thank you to International Bird Rescue and Wetlands and Wildlife Care Center for giving Pelican 429 a second chance.

Join Wildlife Jewels EYES or Rescue Crew Search Scout to help us survey coastal areas, document wildlife, identify animals in need, and contribute observations that support wildlife protection and conservation.

For reporting guidelines in San Diego or Orange County, visit: wildlifejewels.org/report-wildlife

For general emergency and harassment reporting see our Rescue Resources for San Diego County HERE.

Join the Wildlife Jewels Rescue Crew to help us track cases, report hrassments, support next steps when needed, and connect animals with authorized care. Trained volunteers may also assist with the rescue and transport of birds.

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