Florida Manatee Rescued With Tangled Fin, Fishing Lure Stuck to Face

A manatee near Crystal River, Florida, was rescued on February 20 after a large fishing lure became hooked to its face and one flipper was tangled in fishing line, rendering the animal unable to swim normally.

Footage shared by the FWC Fish and Wildlife Research Institute shows the manatee using its remaining free flipper to push itself along in the Three Sisters Springs wildlife refuge near Crystal River.

The FWC Fish and Wildlife Research Institute said the manatee was successfully captured and the lure and line removed. The animal was taken to ZooTampa at Lowry Park for rehabilitation.

“Entangled manatees should always be reported to the FWC, and entanglements on marine mammals should only be removed by wildlife officials,” the FWC said. Credit: FWC Fish and Wildlife Research Institute via Storyful

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