Community comes together to support cherished eagle after it swallows fish hook

South Jordan, Utah – Residents are urging everyone to keep an eye out for a cherished bald eagle that ingested a fish hook at Oquirrh Lake.

A Daybreak resident captured video footage of the eagle spotted on Friday morning.

“He appeared to be in great shape, and I captured some fantastic footage,” remarks Mary Evans. “As I began the editing process, I focused in closely and discovered an issue… he had a fishing line connected to him.”

It is thought that the fishing line was inadvertently ingested when it dove down to catch fish that might have been ensnared in it. As of the latest update, the eagle continues to roam, yet community members express concern that without prompt intervention, the hook and fishing line may pose a fatal threat to its survival.

“Getting [the eagle] into a licensed facility is crucial,” states DaLyn Marathaler, director of the Wildlife Rehabilitation Center of Northern Utah. “The extent to which that hook has penetrated remains uncertain, and attempting to remove it forcibly could result in damaging internal organs, such as his belly or trachea.”

If you see an eagle that appears weak, please reach out to a nearby wildlife rehabilitation center or the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources. To contact the Salt Lake City office, please call 801-538-4700.