Naxos: Rescued juvenile yellow-legged gull found with seven hooks

A juvenile yellow-legged gull was rescued at the port of Naxos after being found trapped in fishing lines and hooks. Passersby discovered the bird unable to move and alerted the authorities.

Upon examination, specialists found seven hooks embedded in the bird, two of which were lodged in its beak. The Naxos Wildlife Protection Association took charge of the animal, and experts successfully removed the fishing gear and hooks through careful handling. The bird did not sustain serious injuries and is currently recovering at the association's station.

The incident highlights the dangers posed by abandoned fishing equipment. While the yellow-legged gull population in the Mediterranean is increasing due to food availability near human activities, discarded lines and hooks remain a lethal threat to seabirds.