A Helena Homeowner’s Call Helped an Osprey—And the Right Partners Stepped In

Helena, Mont. - May 8, 2026 - When a Helena area homeowner noticed an osprey struggling near a nesting platform, they made a call that set a rescue in motion. With favorable weather and a service tech already in the area, NorthWestern Energy was able to provide equipment and support for wildlife professionals leading the rescue.

The homeowner observed the osprey with what appeared to be baling twine entangled around its legs. The Raptor View Research Institute coordinated with Northwestern Energy and Montana Fish Wildlife & Parks, whose trained professionals determined how to safely respond.

Raptor View Research Institute Executive Director and biologist Rob Domenech accessed the nesting platform on a NorthWestern Energy bucket truck. The osprey was still actively flying, but the twine posed an imminent risk of injury or death.

An osprey trap was used to briefly and safely contain the bird so it could be brought down to the ground, where Krista Smucker with Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks held the osprey while the baling twine was carefully cut away. After the entangling material was removed, the osprey was released.

"It was fortunate that weather, service tech schedules and safety conditions aligned to support the rescue," said NorthWestern Energy Supervisor of Electric Operations Steve Rock. "Everyone involved was pleased to see this end with a good outcome."

Preventing wildlife entanglements begins with simple steps the public can take.

NorthWestern Energy Biologist Marco Restani's long-term study of ospreys along Montana's Yellowstone River found that nearly half of nests contained plastic baling twine. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2351989423001312

"When baling twine is left unsecured, it can create serious hazards for osprey," Restani said. "Osprey often incorporate loose twine into nests, which can be deadly for both adults and hatchlings. The best prevention is to pick it up promptly and store it in secure containers or buildings."

NorthWestern Energy has an Avian Protection Plan that outlines operational practices intended to reduce risks to birds while maintaining reliable energy service. The plan includes measures such as installing and maintaining nesting platforms, making equipment modifications to reduce electrocutions and collisions, following established safe work practices, and coordinating with wildlife agencies and conservation organizations. Additional information about the plan is available at: https://www.northwesternenergy.com/clean-energy/our-environmental-projects/avian-conservation

Follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn and Instagram: @NorthWesternEnergy

NorthWestern Energy - Delivering a Bright Future

NorthWestern Energy, provides essential energy infrastructure and valuable services that enrich lives and empower communities while serving as long-term partners to our customers and communities. We work to deliver safe, reliable, and innovative energy solutions that create value for customers, communities, employees, and investors. We do this by providing low-cost and reliable service performed by highly-adaptable and skilled employees. We provide electricity and / or natural gas to approximately 850,300 customers in Montana, South Dakota, Nebraska, and Yellowstone National Park. Our operations in Montana and Yellowstone National Park are conducted through our subsidiary, NW Corp, and our operations in South Dakota and Nebraska are conducted through our subsidiary, NWE Public Service. We have provided service in South Dakota and Nebraska since 1923 and in Montana since 2002.

Media Contacts:

Jo Dee Black

866-622-8081

[email protected]