MESA, AZ (AZFamily) — A routine run in Mesa became a rescue mission when a jogger looked up and saw feathers in distress Thursday morning.
It started when the jogger spotted an owl dangling by one wing from a power pole along a walking trail, tangled in discarded fishing line, according to Mesa Fire and Medical.
Firefighters with Engine 201 teamed up with Salt River Project crews, who cut the line and carefully lowered the alert bird to the ground. Crews then wrapped it in a blanket to keep it calm until SRP’s avian protection specialist arrived to take it in for care.
Fire officials thanked the jogger for speaking up for the owl and reminded everyone to properly dispose of fishing line, which can entangle birds and other wildlife.
Those who see an animal in distress near power lines are asked not to approach it and to call 911. For a sick, injured or orphaned animal in or around SRP facilities, call (602) 236-BIRD.
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