This is the moment US firefighters rescue a squawking seagull that is trapped in a tree by kite string.

The rescue was filmed in Castro Valley in the county of Alameda in the US state of California.

The Alameda County Fire Department (ACFD) said on social media: “This evening, ACFD Station 25 in Castro Valley was alerted by park goers across the street that a seagull was tangled up in what appeared to be kite string hanging in a tree. Crews quickly jumped into action and rescued the seagull.”

In the footage, a firefighter is seen standing on an aerial ladder as a squawking seagull is apparently unable to fly away due to being wrapped in string.

The firefighter removes the string from a high branch before lowering the bird to colleagues on the ground in front of a crowd of onlookers.

The firefighters then restrained the seagull and carefully removed the string wrapped around a wing.

One firefighter says “okay, that looks healthier” as they check for injuries apparently back at the fire station.

The two firefighters then release the rescued seagull and watch it fly away.

Every year thousands of birds are killed or injured by getting caught up in kite strings that often end up in trees and remain there for years as a potential hazard.

The British RSPCA animal charity has urged people to take care when flying the kite and to avoid the tackle becoming accidentally lost in nature where it can harm not only birds but other animals as well.

They also asked people who found string whether on the ground or hanging from trees to try and retrieve it and dispose of it properly where it cannot injure wildlife.