Osprey Trapped At Topgolf In Holtsville Frees Itself From Net, Flys Away

HOLTSVILLE, NY — An osprey that was entangled in a net at Topgolf in Holtsville — the second raptor to do so in a week — was able to free itself on Tuesday morning, the business told Patch.

Strong Island Animal Rescue League was notified of the trapped bird at around 7:30 p.m. on Monday, but the bird was too high up to be accessed by the fire department, police, or the state Department of Environmental Conservation, according to the organization.

When contacted for comment, Topgolf told Patch it is "committed not only to the safety" of guests and team members, "but also to the safety of local wildlife."

On Tuesday night, its team saw the osprey, "moving between different heights within the netting," and gameplay was suspended, and then the venue closed at 9 p.m., the business said in a Facebook message.

"We worked closely with local police, fire, and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation throughout the situation," the message continued. "We can confirm that as of 11 a.m. [Tuesday] morning, the bird had flown away on its own and left the venue safely."

"We appreciate the community's concern and thank all the local authorities and wildlife experts who assisted," the message concluded.

A hawk became entangled in a net 100 feet up on Aug. 17, but it was able to free itself after about a day.

Strong Island had planned to work with Topgolf's managers to avoid future scenarios, noting the staff at the facility have "nothing in place to rescue the bird."

The organization said that their communications are not being returned.

"We need to take a stand," a post to the league's Facebook read Tuesday morning. "We need the public to call management and demand that a plan be in place for this problem that Topgolf created and provides no solution for. Our Long Island's wildlife is in danger."

Patch has reached out to Topgolf regarding a possible mitigation solution.