Swans aren't an endangered species in Point Pleasant - yet - but they will be if more end up entangled in discarded fishing line.

Entangled swan, lure attached (Pt. Pleasant PD)
Entangled swan, lure attached (Pt. Pleasant PD)
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Borough police urge anglers to use care with monofilament line, to dispose of any cluttering the shoreline, and to impress the habit on youngsters learning how to use rods and reels.

Repeated reports of entangled waterbirds have had police running to spots on the south end of the canal, as well as lagoons in the Bay Head Shore vicinity. Line entangling many of the swans still had lures attached, police said.

Lengths of line, and hooks, pose serious health threats to water fowl. Police say that it isn't uncommon for an angler to cut lines that have a bird ensnarled, and simply leave the hooks in them, because hooks are sometimes left in fish that are tossed back to the water. It's a dangerous mistake.

Hooked birds, in most instances, drag yards of line, which eventually traps not only them, but branches or shrubs, increasing the likelihood of a slow death.

If you spot any, police ask you to reach them by phone, 732-892-0060. If you want to remain anonymous, ask for the TIPS line.

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