*Never attempt to wash an oiled animal yourself, as this is dangerous for both the handler, and the fragile animal. Always contact a professional, permitted wildlife rehabilitator.
To Report an Oil Spill: 1-800-663-3456 (BC Environmental Emergency Program)
WRNBC and Oil Spill Response
Canada Geese in a pre-release conditioning pool during professional oiled wildlife response in BC. Photo Paul Steeves.
WRNBC is a member of the Oiled Wildlife Trust (OWT) of British Columbia. OWT members include WRNBC, the BC Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (BCSPCA), the Oiled Wildlife Society of BC (OWS), Vancouver Aquarium Marine Mammal Rescue (MMR), and the Wildlife Rescue Association of BC (WRA). Together the OWT works to establish uniform, professional response to oiled wildlife incidents, and can call on oil spill responders Focus Wildlife Canada (OWT Advisor) to determine how each trustee can contribute to ensuring the welfare of impacted wildlife.
WRNBC works with the OWS to implement a coordinated first responders training program for wildlife professionals in BC. Contact OWS to be placed on the registration notification list. Next class: Spring 2013.
Further Information:
Resources on oiled wildlife
Oiled Wildlife and Your Facility – What Does it Take? (excerpt from WRNBC Newsletter, Summer 2011)
Oiled Wildlife Care Network (OWCN)
Effects of Oil on Wildlife (OWCN)
Rehabilitation of Oiled Wildlife (OWS)
Additional Professional Oiled Wildlife Response Organizations:
International Bird Rescue Oil Spill Response and Preparedness (IBRRC)
Tri-State Bird Rescue Oil Spill Response Program
Regulations, Legislation and Response Planning
Marine Oil Spill Response Plan – BC Ministry of Environment
Inland Oil Spill Response Plan – BC Ministry of Environment
Guide to Understanding the Canadian Environmental Protection Act (1999)
US Fish and Wildlife Services – Guide to Best Practices for Migratory Bird Care During Oil Spill Response
A Guide to Oiled Wildlife Response Planning – International Petroleum Industry Environmental Conservation Association (IPIECA)