A few weeks ago, Lagoon City resident Ray Kopylciw and some of his neighbours noticed a Blue Heron at a nearby waterway that was having trouble standing.
After getting a closer look, Kopylciw noticed the bird had nylon fishing line wrapped around one of its feet which was pulling the bird's finger-like appendages tight together. This caused the bird to either balance on one foot or hobble on the other with the tangled foot in an inverted position on its leg foot joint.
Kopylciw inquired to various wildlife and animal rescue centres about the issue but couldn’t find anyone who could help.
“It’s sad that the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) called me and on one hand said they have a few places I could take the bird to get that fishing line taken off, but on the other hand they said the Blue Heron is a migratory bird and it’s protected by federal law, and you are not allowed to tamper with it,” he said.
“This threw me off a bit because I could face criminal charges and fines if I try to trap it in any way or matter," he lamented. "I find it disturbing that they would rather let a bird or animal be in distress and not deal with it, which ties everyone’s hands.”
Kopylciw backed off after learning about the risks of helping the bird. Since then, he hasn’t seen the bird and he assumes it has migrated south for the winter.
He said it was heartbreaking to see the majestic bird hobbled.
“He limped and hobbled along on one foot ... it looked as if it was painful to bring his one foot down. So that’s why it pissed me off when the MNR told me that it’s a chargeable offence if I get caught trying to get it help. I had a thing set up and I knew it would work but after they told me that I said no way, I’m not getting involved in this," he said.
The MNR was unable to comment in time for publication of this article. However, the government of Ontario's website says you should not remove an animal from its natural habitat (the animal may not need assistance, and you could do more harm than good).
The website also states that you should check the animal periodically for 24-48 hours while maintaining a safe distance. To get help for a sick, injured or abandoned animal, you can contact the district MNR office in Peterborough by phone, 1-800-667-1940.