Injured pelican found at the Old Smithville Cemetery in Southport

SOUTHPORT, NC (WWAY) — The Southport Police Department shared photos in a Facebook post of an officer rescuing an injured pelican.

Police say Animal Protective Services Officer Katie Ward found the injured pelican at the Old Smithville Cemetery Thursday morning.

Ward notified the Sea Biscuit Wildlife Rehabilitation Center who responded to the scene and took the pelican for treatment.

Southport Police Department say the injuries may have been caused from fishing equipment and note this is the second injured pelican of the week.