NBC4’s Hetty Chang reports on oiled Common Murres at International Bird Rescue in San Pedro
Yesterday was an extremely busy day for our Los Angeles center staff, which handled dozens of oiled Common Murres and gave interviews with many media crews interested in the recent influx. Since February 1, we’ve received 77 Common Murres — diving birds that spend most of their lives on the open water — from natural oil seepage off the Southern California coast.
Thank you to all the reporters, producers and photographers who broadcasted this important story to the people of Southern California.
ABC7’s Amy Powell reports:
CBS2 Los Angeles: Wildlife activists blame natural spill for influx of oil-coated birds (Video, February 18, 2013)
KEYT3 Santa Barbara: Sick birds may have been in Santa Barbara oil slick (Video, February 18, 2013)
Daily Breeze/ LA Daily News: San Pedro rescue center workers treat dozens of birds affected by natural oil seepage (February 18, 2013)
SoCalWild: Oiled murres overwhelming International Bird Rescue (February 18, 2013)
Malibu Patch: Beached seabirds oiled from natural seep off Santa Barbara coast (February 18, 2013)
How can you help?
If you see an oiled bird in distress that needs rescue, please call (866) WILD-911 for help. To report oiled wildlife sightings, please call (877) UCD-OWCN.
Some of International Bird Rescue’s costs for natural seep events are offset by support from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. But we have significant expenses in rehabilitating these birds, and we’re asking for your support. If you’d like to help, click here to donate.
Important note: Caring for oiled wildlife requires comprehensive training on appropriate protocols. If you are interested in volunteering for International Bird Rescue, please visit our volunteer page for more information.