**Fishing Line Snare Causes Drama on Long Island Lake**
The swift and agile swan, caught in a fishing line with a hook attached to its body, was rescued from Lake Ronkonkoma on Monday. The rescue effort, which involved dozens of rescuers and multiple boats, was a testament to the determination and expertise of those involved. The rescue story begins last week, when Strong Island Animal Rescue received a call about a swan with a fishing hook and line stuck on its neck and wing, rendering it unable to fly. Despite the efforts of dozens of rescuers, the bird managed to evade capture, leading to multiple failed attempts at rescue.

• Dozens of rescuers from Strong Island Animal Rescue and the Sweetbriar Nature Center in nearby Smithtown came together to try and catch the swan.
• The rescuers used a combination of boats and kayaks, as well as those on land, but the swan proved to be too fast and elusive.
• The swan was able to move quickly, making it difficult for the rescuers to get close enough to net it.

The first attempt at rescue took place on Easter Sunday, but unfortunately, the swan managed to slip away once again. However, the Strong Island Animal Rescue team was not deterred, and they teamed up with a pair of rescuers from the Sweetbriar Nature Center to launch another rescue effort on Monday.

The second rescue effort proved to be a success, thanks in large part to the use of a boat with an electric motor. The electric motor allowed the rescuers to navigate the lake without disturbing the water’s quality, which is protected by regulations that prohibit the use of oil-fueled systems. Despite the challenges posed by the swan’s speed and agility, the rescuers were eventually able to get close enough to net it. Strong Island Animal Rescue founder Frankie Floridia was able to net the swan and bring it onto the boat, where it was safely secured. The swan was then taken to shore, where the fishing line and hook were removed, and a medical check was performed. Thankfully, the swan was found to be in good health, with no signs of infection or distress.

“The swan was able to spread its wings and fly, and do the regular things that swans do,” Floridia said. “He was able to show us that he was in good health, and we were able to return him to the wild.”

The rescue effort serves as a reminder of the importance of responsible wildlife management and the impact of human activities on the environment. “This could have been easily avoided if people clean up their fishing line, and be more responsible,” Floridia said. “The rescue is urging people to please clean up their lines and be responsible with their trash.”
In the end, the swift and agile swan was able to return to its natural habitat, thanks to the dedication and expertise of the rescuers. The experience highlights the importance of respecting wildlife and taking steps to minimize our impact on the environment.