PALM BEACH COUNTY, FL (BocaNewsNow.com) (Copyright © 2025 MetroDesk Media, LLC) — A small tooth Sawfish, similar to the one seen above, is free today thanks to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission that detangled the creature after it became trapped in Lantana. FWC issued this statement to BocaNewsNow.com:
On Feb. 27, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) officers responded to a call from the Lantana Police Department regarding an endangered smalltooth sawfish (Pristis pectinata) entangled in a cast net in Manalapan. Upon arrival, FWC officers, assisted by Lantana and Manalapan police officers, found the approximately 14-foot sawfish trapped in a net secured to a bridge. Acting quickly, they carefully freed the sawfish, collected a sample for Fish and Wildlife Research biologists and released the animal back into the water unharmed – all within minutes. There is no evidence to suggest this sawfish exhibited abnormal (spinning) behavior as was seen in the Keys last year.
The smalltooth sawfish is one of five sawfish species and belongs to the elasmobranch group, which includes rays, skates, and sharks. The smalltooth sawfish population has been reduced to a small section of Florida’s southern coast and has been federally listed as endangered; their core range used to reach in the U.S. from North Carolina to Texas. The species’ common and scientific names are derived from its long, flattened, toothed rostrum (nose or beak structure) that extends outward from its flattened head. The rostrum resembles a saw because it has 24–32 unpaired saw teeth on each side.
“Every specimen of this endangered species is vital to its genetic diversity, said Maj. Mike Davis, South A Regional Commander. “I am grateful our officers were able to return this one to its habitat safely.”
The FWC urges the public to report wildlife in distress by downloading the FWC Wildlife Alert app, texting 847411 (Tip411) with the keyword “FWC” and information about the violation, calling the FWC’s Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (888-404-3922) or submitting a tip online at MyFWC.com/WildlifeAlert
