The ospreys are busy in their nest on top of a platform built for them in Lamoine. (Courtesy of Versant Power)
On March 15, 2024, line workers from Versant Power successfully rescued an osprey that had become entangled upside down on a power line cable in Lamoine. The incident began when a concerned customer reported the distressed bird, prompting immediate action from the power company’s team.
The workers used a long pole to gently nudge the osprey, allowing it to free itself from the cable. After the rescue, the bird took flight and appeared to have no injuries, much to the relief of the onlookers. Ospreys are frequently seen in the Lamoine area, particularly around power lines where they often build their nests.
Efforts to Protect Ospreys
In an effort to safeguard these birds from potential hazards associated with power lines, Versant Power has collaborated with environmental specialists, including representatives from the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. Together, they constructed a nesting platform designed to attract ospreys away from power lines. This platform is strategically positioned on a pole that is significantly taller than roadside power lines, aiming to minimize the risk of injury.
Despite these proactive measures, incidents like the recent rescue underscore the challenges wildlife face in urban environments. The platform offers a safer nesting alternative, yet ospreys remain attracted to the heights of power lines, which can lead to dangerous encounters.
Reporting Distressed Wildlife
If members of the public encounter any injured or distressed wildlife, it is advised to contact local authorities for assistance. The Maine Warden Service can be reached at 1-800-452-4664, while the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife is available at 207-287-8000. These resources ensure that wildlife in distress can receive the appropriate care and support needed.
The successful rescue of the osprey highlights the importance of collaboration between utility companies and wildlife agencies, as well as the vital role that community vigilance plays in protecting local wildlife.
