A father-son duo, Bryan Esbaugh and 15-year-old Wyatt, were fishing for smallmouth bass at Ponhook Lake in Queens County, N.S., when an unexpected event unfolded. While fishing, they noticed a bald eagle trailing them, seemingly waiting for a chance to spot fish. The eagle eventually swooped down, snatching their fishing lines and lures before flying off.
The eagle got entangled in the lines, causing it to crash into the lake. Bryan and Wyatt rushed to the distressed bird, discovering it trapped with hooks in its beak and foot. After carefully rescuing the eagle from the water, they removed the hooks on shore.
Dr. Jessica Rock from the Cobequid Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre commended their efforts, noting the uniqueness of the situation. She emphasized the importance of seeking professional help for such entanglements, suggesting contacting the Department of Natural Resources for assistance with wildlife rescue.
Fortunately, the eagle was successfully freed and able to soar away. The duo humorously dubbed the eagle as the “Canadian White-Headed Lake Raptor” in response to a light-hearted remark about Lake Ontario.
