Choking pelican saved by animal service workers

A pelican bit off more than it could chew in Martin County this week, but thankfully some quick-responding animal service workers were there to help.

According to a post on the sheriff’s office Facebook page, workers responded to a call of a sick pelican near the dock at Sandsprit Park.

Officer Heather Belknap was able to capture the struggling animal, immediately realizing that it had something lodged in its throat. Officer Kimberly Guile assisted Belknap by holding the pelican, while Belknap opened its beak and inserted her arm into the bird's mouth.

Within a few seconds, Belknap pulled out a large fish head that was lodged in the animal's throat. Showing immediate signs of relief, the pelican was released back into the water.

Great work!