Efforts Continue to Save Birds From Post-Ida Oil Spill
Wildlife officials in Louisiana said they have counted more than 100 birds soaked in oil following a spill at a refinery flooded by Hurricane Ida.
The photographs, released on September 9, show four birds drenched in oil.
The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries said oil-covered birds have been discovered within “heavy pockets” of oil at the Phillips 66 Alliance Refinery in Belle Chasse, and in nearby flooded fields and retention ponds.
“Some of the oiled birds have been captured and transported to a designated rehabilitation location. It may take weeks before the effort to save the birds and other animals is completed,” officials said.
Black-bellied whistling ducks, blue-winged teal, and a variety of egret species were affected, as well as some alligators and otters, according to the wildlife department.
NOLA.com reported there were more than 2,000 reports of oil and chemical spills linked to Hurricane Ida. Credit: Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries via Storyful
