How to Capture an Injured Pelican

Instructions

• 1

  Pelicans are amongst those birds which tend to get caught in trash, and pick up injuries far more frequently than other birds. This is because they are water birds, and large bodies of water tend to have a lot of trash in them.
• 2

  In order to capture an injured pelican you need to be cautious, since they can hurt you with their beak.
• 3

  The first thing you want to do, is to take a visual examination of the bird. You need to determine just what part of the bird appears to be injured, and see if it is caught in a fishing line, or some other form of trash. Assessing the situation and the injury, is the best way to go about rescuing the bird.
• 4

  Now you need to remember to be calm and to slowly move in towards the bird. Don’t make loud noises and try to avoid approaching the bird when other people, or animals are around. Remember to take slow and steady steps towards the bird, as opposed to rushing in. Rushing in will cause the bird to panic, and it will end up hurting you, or aggravate its existing injury.
• 5

  As soon as you move in, grasp the bird by the bill. The bill is something the bird will use to bite you with, in order to defend itself. This is why your first action should be to grab the bill. However, don’t cover its nostrils, and don’t grab it too firmly, keep the grip loose so that the bird can breathe.
• 6

  Now cover the birds head. Use a towel or a shirt, in order to cover the head. If a bird can’t see, it won’t panic.
• 7

  With one hand on the bill at all times, you should scoop up the bird and carry it in your arms. Press the bird against your body, but don’t squeeze it too hard.
• 8

  Now place the bird in a box or a cage and deliver it to an animal shelter, or wildlife care facility.