Fact Sheet – Wildlife Response

Trained wildlife task force members conduct wildlife response activities with oversight from
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS), U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), and Alaska Department of Fish & Game (ADF&G) agency biologists.

Response strategies used for protecting wildlife from oil include containing the oil before it reaches the wildlife, deterring birds and mammals from entering oiled areas, collecting wildlife carcasses to avoid contamination through scavenging, and capturing and treating oiled birds and mammals. Primary response strategies

The primary response strategy for protecting wildlife from an oil spill is to prevent the oil from reaching areas where they are located. Methods to prevent the oil from reaching animals include mechanical containment and recovery, which utilize booms, skimmers, and heavy equipment. This strategy also includes removing carcasses from the environment to prevent secondary contamination of scavengers.

Secondary response strategies Hazing or deterrence may be used to discourage wildlife from moving into or near a contaminated area if appropriate. The purpose of hazing and deterrence in the vicinity of this spill is to prevent wildlife from becoming oiled, while minimizing the disturbance to non-oiled wildlife.

Types of hazing may include:
- Audio/visual alarms placed in strategic locations above the highwater line (if nesting birds are not present).
- Mylar tape and balloons used to deter birds from landing in oiled areas.
- Qualified personnel using advanced audio- visual deterrent techniques.
- Physical deterrence using vessels or other equipment between the animal and the oil Tertiary response strategies Capture and transport: Trained wildlife task force members capture oiled wildlife as authorized by agency biologists and according to approved plans and permits.

Stabilization: Wildlife stabilization involves veterinary treatment for shock, dehydration, and hypothermia as needed. This may involve temperature control and additional medical care. Cleaning and rehabilitation: After they’re stabilized, animals may be washed to remove oil from feathers, fur, and skin. Clean animals will
be rehabilitated using extended stabilization tactics described above under veterinary care.

Responders will provide animals with food and fluids while they’re monitored for health complications. This includes any additional cleaning or medical treatment as needed.

Notice to the public
Wildlife responders are trained professionals. Members of the public should not approach or attempt to capture wildlife, for their safety and the safety of the animals. The response may establish a wildlife hotline for reports of impacts from the public.