10/30/2026
*Disclaimer, graphic photo included*
This patient took “hook, line, and sinker” a little too literally!
This turtle’s search for a snack came with an unexpected catch: a fishing hook. After swallowing it, our shelled patient needed surgery to have it removed! Thank you to Dr. Nelson at Summit for being able to see this little turtle so quickly!
Turtles unfortunately can’t tell the difference between a free meal and bait attached to a hook. And while that shell is excellent armor, it offers no protection against something sharp on the inside.
While accidentally hooking a turtle isn’t always avoidable, you can help reduce the risk by picking up discarded fishing line, hooks, and other tackle.
If you do hook a turtle or find a turtle with fishing line wrapped around its neck, please contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator for guidance! Removing the hook yourself often inadvertently makes it worse. 🐢
We added the ability to donate through the post or you can visit our website at Pawsandclawswildlife.org if you would like to contribute towards this turtles surgery bill 💚