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What animals are most affected by oil spills?
Since most oils float, the creatures most affected by oil are animals like sea otters and seabirds that are found on the sea surface or on shorelines if the oil comes ashore. During most oil spills, seabirds are harmed and killed in greater numbers than other kinds of creatures.
What animals were affected by the Exxon Valdez oil spill?
The Exxon Valdez disaster dramatically changed all of that, taking a major toll on wildlife. It killed an estimated 250,000 sea birds, 3,000 otters, 300 seals, 250 bald eagles and 22 killer whales.
How are animals cleaned after an oil spill?
The animals are warmed, fed, hydrated and rested for a period of around 48 hours before they are washed in a series of tubs filled with a mixture of diluted cleaning agent and hot, softened water. The animals then receive another medical examination and are banded or tagged before released back into a clean habitat.
How are marine animals affected by oil spills?
Oil spills are harmful to marine birds and mammals as well as fish and shellfish. Oil destroys the insulating ability of fur-bearing mammals, such as sea otters, and the water repellency of a bird’s feathers, thus exposing these creatures to the harsh elements.
Why are ducks covered in oil?
The most obvious way oil affects birds is by coating their plumage in sticky, greasy slime. Birds’ feathers are precisely aligned and designed to provide superb waterproofing and insulation. Oil in the feathers, however, will mat them and misalign the tiny barbs that keep the feathers properly positioned.
What is the best way to clean oiled animals?
Now try three methods of cleaning feathers:
- Cold water washing. Put some cold water in a bowl, and then try washing some of the oiled feathers in it.
- Hot water washing. Put some hot water in a bowl, and then try washing some of the oiled feathers in it.
- Washing with detergent.