Just as our wildlife response work at the Peru oil spill was winding down, Bird Rescue received a call to respond to a spill in Medford, Oregon, as thousands of gallons of petroleum products were released into a sensitive natural area.
A team of six was quickly activated on the ground working to rescue wildlife affected by the spill. The team helped set up a response center in Central Point, Oregon to stabilize, wash and rehabilitate rescued waterbirds. The bird species in care includes Canada Geese, and a young gosling (video above) and Mallards.
Local residents have been asked to not approach or pick up any oiled wildlife they may encounter. Instead they are asked to notify International Bird Rescue at 707-689-3944 to ensure that our trained wildlife rehabilitation experts help the animals.
Bird Rescue was activated by our partner Clean Rivers Cooperative, and we are working closely with U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, EPA, and Oregon’s Department of Environmental Quality.
On April 13, 2022 the City of Medford Fire Department (MFD) responded to a reported fire and oil spill at the Carson Fuels and Pacific Pride Commercial Fuel Station. According to news reports, up to 12,600 gallons of oil evaporated or flowed to nearby Bear Creek that led to the Rogue River. Oil runoff, mostly thick and sticky lubricant, left the fire area through storm drains.
We are grateful to all of our supporters who make it possible for Bird Rescue to respond immediately and nimbly to environmental emergencies such as this one – whenever and wherever they occur. Your support makes it possible for us to save wildlife.
