Stray Pickleball Nearly Kills Texas Heron: A blue heron bird was saved by a group of residents in the Cane Island community in Katy, Texas, after it was found with a pickleball stuck on its beak. The rescue took place on May 28, 2025, after several failed attempts to catch the bird. The incident sparked widespread attention online and raised concerns about cleaning up after pickleball games.
Pickleball Becomes a Hazard for Wildlife
Residents of the Cane Island neighborhood noticed the bird in trouble at the community’s pickleball court. The blue heron had a pickleball stuck on its beak but was still able to fly and eat. Even though the bird was not injured, it struggled to open its beak fully.
“Neighbors immediately started suggesting local organizations, and I also posted about the situation in the Southeast Texas Snake ID group, which is great for rescue referrals,” said local Aubrie Johnson in a Katy Magazine News article by Natalie Cook Clark.
“We contacted multiple groups. Some said they could help if the bird was captured, but no one was available to come out and trap it.” – (Aubrie Johnson)
Local residents tried several times to help the bird, but it kept flying away.
“My husband tried one evening, but the bird was still flying and eating, so we couldn’t get close. He wasn’t injured, just limited by the ball stuck on his beak.” – (Aubrie Johnson)
Community Members Step In
On May 28, 2025, a couple named Gonzalo and Karina were finally able to get close enough. They used a towel to gently catch the bird. A nearby passerby, Tony Benetz, helped remove the pickleball from the bird’s beak.
“It was really stuck. I tried one more time and thankfully it came off.” – (Tony Benetz)
Gonzalo and Karina took the bird home to rest for a short while before letting it go at a nearby pond.
“Honestly, when I came up on this, I knew I had to help. The couple, Gonzalo and Karina, were the real heroes.” – (Tony Benetz)
A Call for Cleaner Courts
The Cane Island community is now sharing a strong message: pick up stray pickleballs to protect animals. Residents believe this small act can prevent future harm to wildlife.
“Simply put: pick up after yourself. This bird could’ve died because of a stray pickleball. We always try to clean up trash when walking with our kids and teach them to respect the environment. A small act—like tossing away a piece of litter—can save an animal’s life. It’s easy and it matters.” – (Aubrie Johnson)
“I’m hoping that with the amount of people that were posting about this, that maybe this will bring awareness. If people are out, make sure you collect everything because you never know what a bird will think will be food.” – (Aubrie Johnson)
Why It Matters
This rescue story is a reminder of how small things—like leaving behind a ball—can have big effects on nature. The residents of Cane Island showed how teamwork and care for animals can make a difference. Their actions may lead others to be more mindful about cleaning up after themselves on public courts and parks.
News in Brief: Stray Pickleball Nearly Kills Texas Heron
A blue heron with a pickleball stuck on its beak was rescued in Katy, Texas. Residents Gonzalo, Karina, and Tony Benetz worked together to help the bird. The case went viral, urging players to clean up after pickleball games to keep wildlife safe.