Cairns, Queensland – A young cassowary has succumbed to internal injuries after ingesting discarded fishing supplies near a popular coastal area in Queensland, prompting local rangers to issue a stern warning to tourists about the dangers of littering.
Wildlife rangers at Coquette Point on Queensland’s Cassowary Coast made futile attempts to save the juvenile bird, which had swallowed a fishing hook that became lodged below its throat.
An X-ray examination revealed the extent of the internal damage, and the bird eventually died.
The incident has sparked concerns about the reckless disposal of fishing waste and the feeding of native animals.
In July, a male cassowary and its three offspring were spotted near Coquette Point, approaching people for food.
One of the young birds was seen with a length of fishing line dangling from its beak, prompting a notification to the Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation on July 27.
According to Wildlife Ranger Stephen Clough, discarded hooks and fishing lines pose a well-documented threat to seabirds and can also harm species like cassowaries.
“We urge the public to remove bait from hooks after a fishing session and properly dispose of unwanted fishing tackle in a bin,” he emphasized.
Members of the public are encouraged to report injured, sick, or orphaned cassowaries by calling `1300 130 372`.
Authorities also advise visitors to exercise caution when interacting with native wildlife in the Wet Tropics region.