Gull pierced by a barbecue skewer is released in B.C. after wildlife centre’s care

A seagull injured by a barbecue skewer has been released after being treated at a wildlife rescue centre in British Columbia.

BC Wildlife Rescue Society volunteer Anka Vanderpas released a glaucous-winged seagull in the White Rock area on Monday, July 28, 2025, according to The Canadian Press. The bird was rescued by volunteers in early July after suffering severe injuries from a barbecue skewer stuck in its neck.

The young seagull stood on the dock for a moment after being released, then calmly spread its wings and took off in a graceful, graceful flight, said Colin Doucette, the rescue centre’s executive vice president. The scene was “a great joy and delight” for the rescue team, she said.

The bird attracted a lot of attention when it was spotted with the strange injury on White Rock Beach, and multiple calls were made to the rescue center. Volunteers were able to catch it and bring it to the center for treatment.

After an X-ray by a veterinary technician, it was found that the wooden skewer was only a few millimeters from the bird's trachea and fortunately it was successfully removed. With the help of antibiotics, painkillers and a soft diet, the seagull recovered.

Doucette warned that this is the second such incident in the past two years and that people should be more careful about their trash disposal. He said it was likely on a skewer and the bird tried to swallow it with its food.

He added:
"We are very happy that this bird was successfully released today. This incident really shows how important it is to collect and dispose of our trash properly."

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