Duck Got Caught In Fishing Line, Bald Eagle Saw An Easy Meal And Outcome Was Unexpected

A bald eagle and a red-breasted merganser duck were rescued by the Audubon Society of Portland's Wildlife Care Center (WCC) from the same piece of fishing line on February 10th. It was initially the duck who inspired the call for rescue after being spotted in the Willamette River. The eagle, apparently taking the duck for an easy meal, swooped in and got itself stuck in the same fishing line. Lacy Campbell from WCC noted, “We arrived and assessed the situation. We figured out the easiest course of action would be for me to get into the river and remove the eagle first and then get the merganser out." The duck had to be euthanized due to its extreme injuries. On the other hand, the eagle only suffered minor head trauma and was ready to be released after a week and a half of treatment.