Florida Highway Patrol troopers on Friday observed a pelican showing signs of distress in the median of the Skyway Bridge in St. Petersburg.
Upon closer observation it was determined the pelican 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, Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission officers and Road Rangers responded to the area and assisted in the safe recovery of the pelican. Recovered without harm, the bird was transferred to Owls Nest Sanctuary for Wildlife where he is expected to make a full recovery.