A crow who was rescued after becoming entangled on a Swansea aerial due to a plastic bag has triggered a renewed warning from the RSPCA about the hazards of plastic bags and litter to wildlife.
The bird was spotted in distress on 1 June as he had become stuck on an aerial on a roof at Caeconna Road, Portmead, Swansea. It appeared as though the ariel had gone through its wing and was unable to escape – but it later transpired that it was a plastic bag that had caused him to become entangled badly on the ariel.
RSPCA Animal Rescue Officer Ellie West attended the scene along with Mid and West Fire & Rescue Service crew from Morriston fire station.
“This crow was well and truly entangled and was clearly in distress,” said Ellie. “We’re very thankful to the fire service who attended and used their specialist equipment to reach the bird on the roof which was two-storeys high.
“Using their aerial platform they were able to release the crow and bring him down safely. The crow had a plastic bag wrapped around its left leg and when trying to escape he had become even more entangled.
“His left leg had a wound, but he was thankfully in a good body condition and was active despite his ordeal.”
Thankfully after receiving treatment and fluids, the crow was released back into the wild.
“The crow’s wound had healed well overnight and he flew well on a test flight,” said Ellie.
“I was then able to release him at the location. He was a young bird who had recently left the nest, and his parents were around during the rescue.
“When he was released they came to see him and they flew off together, which was lovely to see.”
Ellie said: “We all want to see wildlife thriving in our communities – but unfortunately we see a lot of birds trapped in or behind netting – and the major causes of this can be plastic litter.
“Birds can suffer a long and painful death from injury or starvation if they’re unable to escape, so we’re very pleased that this crow was released from its predicament successfully.
“The great thing is we can all do something to help. Making sure we throw our rubbish away, cutting down on single use plastics like carrier bags and even helping if we find a small animal which is trapped and doesn’t need specialist help like this crow. There’s more information on our website on how people can help if they find an animal in need.
“We’d like to thank those who called this in, and to the fire service for their kindness and expertise.”
This week the RSPCA celebrates its 200th birthday. To mark this special anniversary the animal welfare charity wants to inspire one million people to join their movement to improve animals’ lives and one volunteering project is the RSPCA Wildlife Friends who are making a difference for the nation’s wildlife.
Everyone can help create a better world for every animal. Whether you have five minutes or five hours spare each week, whether you live in a flat, narrowboat or house with a garden there are volunteering tasks that everyone can do. From building dead hedges and planting wildlife-friendly flowers, to placing bird feeders in gardens and leaving food out for hedgehogs.
Together with fellow Wildlife Friends you will be making a positive impact on your local community by creating safe, clean and healthy habitats, and a better environment for animals to thrive.
