Bartow, Florida – Late yesterday afternoon, quick-thinking residents in Bartow contacted the Polk County Sheriff’s Office after spotting a woodstork trapped and struggling in Hack Lake. The bird’s legs were tangled in a fishing lure and line.

Polk County Animal Control officers Williams and Shores rushed to the scene and successfully freed the distressed woodstork from the entanglement.

The Raptor Center of Tampa Bay is now caring for the injured bird, working toward a full recovery.

Authorities thanked the residents who reported the situation and praised the officers’ swift response, calling it another remarkable rescue by unsung heroes.

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