06/04/2026
This adult male Common Merganser was admitted to LTWC after swallowing a fishing hook. He was found trapped in the river, still attached to nearby branches by monofilament fishing line.
Radiographs revealed the hook lodged inside his body, and our team quickly began preparing for surgery. In addition to the hook ingestion, he had significant trauma to his mouth and tongue from the hook and line. Sadly, despite our efforts, his condition declined, and due to the severity of his injuries, he was humanely euthanized.
This is a heartbreaking reminder that discarded fishing gear can have deadly consequences for wildlife. Fishing hooks and monofilament line do not simply disappear over time, and we regularly see patients suffering from hook injuries, entanglement, and ingestion.
If you fish, please help keep Tahoe's wildlife safe:
🎣 Pack out all fishing line
🎣 Dispose of hooks properly
🎣 Pick up discarded gear when you see it
🎣 Encourage others to do the same
A single hook or length of fishing line can cause immense suffering. A few extra moments of responsible disposal can save a wild life.