A father-son duo, Bryan Esbaugh and 15-year-old Wyatt, were out fishing for smallmouth bass on Ponhook Lake in Queens County, N.S., when they unintentionally hooked a bald eagle. Wyatt, who used to feed bass to birds while fishing with friends, noticed the eagle trailing them around the lake, seemingly waiting for them to catch fish. After following them for a while, the eagle swooped in, snatching their fishing lines and lures before flying off. The eagle got entangled in the lines, causing it to crash into the lake.
Upon realizing the eagle was in distress, Bryan and Wyatt approached it cautiously and found the bird with hooks stuck in its beak and foot. Wyatt carefully pulled the eagle out of the water and onto their boat. With some hesitation due to its sharp claws, they managed to get back to the dock. However, the eagle slipped back into the water, prompting Wyatt to skillfully guide it back to shore. Using a towel to handle the bird, they successfully removed the hooks.
Dr. Jessica Rock from the Cobequid Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre commended their efforts, noting that while it’s not uncommon to encounter birds entangled in fishing gear, this case was unique. She advised seeking assistance from the Department of Natural Resources in similar situations to ensure the best outcome for the animal.
Ultimately, the eagle was set free and flew away. Bryan humorously named it the “Canadian White-Headed Lake Raptor” in response to a playful jab at Donald Trump’s attempt to rename Lake Ontario.
