by: Dustin Massengill

Posted: Sep 23, 2025 / 04:50 PM EDT

Updated: Sep 23, 2025 / 10:40 PM EDT

• Rescuers save trapped baby raccoon in Georgetown park.
• A raccoon was likely trapped by a fishing lure at the park.
• The baby raccoon was successfully released back into its natural environment.

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GEORGETOWN, Ky. (FOX 56) — Animal rescuers saved a trapped baby raccoon on Friday at a park in Georgetown.

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Scott County Animal Care & Control said the baby likely attempted to catch a fishing lure, mistaking it for a fish at Yuko-En on the Elkhorn.

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The raccoon reportedly became trapped in the plants and was unable to free itself from the vegetation or the lure.

An officer was able to safely contain the juvenile, allowing for the removal of the hooks from its finger.

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“Following a successful surgery, the raccoon was released back into its environment, where it can live a healthy and thriving life,” Scott County Animal Care & Control said.

Wildlife agencies emphasize responsible fishing to prevent loss of marine life

• By Jeremiah Estrada
• Sep 19, 2025 Updated Sep 22, 2025
•  https://www.kitv.com/news/young-hawaiian-monk-seal-killed-by-jug-fishing-gear-on-east-oahu/article_6967a3cd-3e31-468b-9af5-29f24de347f2.html

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EAST OAHU, Hawaii (Island News) — A young Hawaiian monk seal was killed by fishing gear in early September on an island on East Oahu after a jug fishing expedition.

The two-year-old Hawaiian monk seal named Moana (RS34) was found dead earlier this month on Manana Island after “jug rig” gear got caught on her. A tangled mass of fishing line latched onto Moana’s mouth which was connected to a plastic jug used in paddle-out or drone-out fishing.

Following the unfortunate incident, the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resource (DLNR) emphasized the threats to Hawaiian monk seals and other sea life that come from these fishing methods. In the event that a line breaks when jug fishing, an excessive amount of gear can be dragged out into the waters by a sea animal, heightening the risk of entanglement.

“Jug fishing is an extremely unsustainable and undiscerning fishing method,” said John Silberstein, Oahu Branch Chief of the DLNR Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement. “This incident is a reminder that the choices we make on the water affect more than just fish.”

Moana was born in 2023 as the fourth pup to her mother RF34. Malama Honua Elementary School students in Waimanalo gave her the name Moana meaning “ocean.” She was often spotted around where she was born on Oahu’s offshore islets.

“Moana’s death underscores the importance of responsible fishing practices,” said Luna Kekoa, who manages DLNR’s Division of Aquatic Resources Protected Species Program. “Abandoned fishing gear poses a significant threat to endangered wildlife, which is why promoting pono fishing is a priority for DAR.”

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The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and DLNR provided these proactive steps for the fishing community to take to help prevent future losses:

• Avoid paddle-out jug fishing and similar high-risk methods – These methods can pose a higher risk of entanglement and injury to non-target species. Use of aerial drones for the purpose of fishing (other than reconnaissance) is banned statewide. Penalties include escalating fines.
• Report lost or taken gear immediately – Accidents can happen but if a seal takes hooked bait or runs off with fishing gear, reporting it to NOAA and DLNR gives response teams critical information to look out for the animal and intervene if needed.
• Fish pono – Proper gear use and safe disposal help sustain both fishing resources and Hawaii’s marine wildlife.
• If you do paddle lines out, it is recommended that you
  • Use only barbless circle hooks.
  • Make a plan to paddle out and recover lost or snagged gear at the end of every trip. Never free a snagged line by cutting the main line from shore.
  • Avoid fishing in areas where lines may pose a hazard to surfers, swimmers, boaters or other ocean users.

Reports of hooked or entangled monk seals, or lost fishing gear can be made by calling the NOAA Marine Wildlife Hotline at 888-256-9840.