WAREHAM – At approximately 8 PM on Saturday, Wareham Division of Natural Resources (DNR) was notified of an entangled osprey in a tree.
Upon arrival to the scene not only was the osprey entangled and hanging upside down but she was approximately 60 feet up at the top of the tree! DNR requested assistance from Onset Fire Rescue and responded with Ladder 1 to the scene.
Once staged Onset Fire allowed DNR to become firefighters!!! DNR Officer McGuire got suited up in safety harnesses, turn out gear and a fire helmet.
The DNR Officer accompanied by a member of the Onset Fire Ladder Company scaled the ladder. The two officers were able to safely secure the bird by wrapping her with a blanket and free the entanglement.
Once the osprey was brought down from the tree, Wareham DNR and Wareham Police Officers worked together to untangle the remainder of the line wrapped around the feet and talons. Thankfully no injuries were sustained however the osprey was visibly fatigued. For the safety of the osprey she will be held for observation overnight with DNR and we will attempt to released her at daybreak. In the event the osprey still seems weak she will be transported to the Cape Wildlife Center for further evaluation.
Wareham DNR thanks Onset Fire, Wareham Police and the neighbors for calling in the osprey in distress!!
Update: After a pleasant stay at the Natural Resources B&B the osprey was returned to Onset Beach where she is again soaring over Onset Bay!
Media release, video and photos provided by Wareham DNR
