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You've all seen it, trash or other belongings left on the beach with no regard for other people or animals.

The Popcorn Park Zoo is hoping to drive home a message, and reminder, to everyone that what you leave behind as much as an accident it is, could very well harm an animal or make them sick.

This comes after a Seagull died in their care this week.

The bird was found injured and tangled in a fishing line along the beach in Surf City, the Associated Humane Societies/Popcorn Park Zoo said in a statement Friday.

Seagull found in Surf City. (Popcorn Park Zoo)
Seagull found in Surf City. (Popcorn Park Zoo)
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They were called to the scene and when they brought the seagull back to their facility, one of the birds legs fell off.

"The limb was necrotic, as it was wrapped tightly in fishing line for a long time. The other leg was nearly severed as well. Due to his inability to sustain himself in this condition, the bird was severely anemic and starving."

AHS said the Seagull was injured so badly, he ended up passing away.

"If nothing else, at least he was with us and had a peaceful end, rather than slowly suffering out in the wild."

Surf City Police have not returned a message from Townsquare Media News seeking comment on the discovery of the injured seagull.

It may have been an accident though, AHS explained, and they're hopeful everyone will be more cautious out in the beach, boardwalk and community.

"We are realistic and understand that accidents happen. Your line gets snagged on the rocks or on the bottom and you have no choice but to cut it. We're not talking about the accidental gear that ends up in our waters, we are talking about the careless people that are re-tying jigs and toss the leftover line in the water.

Or when they spool up their reels and cut the line, and just thrown the whole bunch of it in the water. There's no reason for it.  It does not disintegrate.

It's careless, reckless behavior that endangers marine life and results in stories like this one.

PLEASE, be respectful, be courteous, protect our waters and our marine-life. If you're going to enjoy our waters, enjoy them responsibly. It's the least we can do."

Vin
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You can follow Vin Ebenau on Twitter and Instagram and email news tips to vin.ebenau@townsquaremedia.com.

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