New England Wildlife Center in the process of rescuing animals impacted by Massachusetts oil spill

On Sunday night, New England Wildlife Center responded to an oil spill in Boston’s Muddy River. An unknown quantity of what’s suspected to be heating oil was released into the river and has affected wildlife living in the area.

Working with Boston Parks and Recreation Department, Massachusetts Division of Fisheries & Wildlife and Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection NEWC has been able to capture the most significantly impacted waterfowl so far and have brought them back to their hospital for triage and treatment.

NEWC states that their team was working overtime Sunday night intaking, stabilizing, and providing emergency care to the Canada geese and ducks.

Their priority is to clear airways and flush oil from the eyes and mouth, and provide heat support to help them compensate. They will begin the washing process once they are stable enough to undergo the procedure.

NEWC will be back on scene first-thing Monday morning to continue the rescue effort and get the remaining animals into care.

In the interim, they are asking folks not to approach or attempt to capture any wildlife in this area! They are very stressed and contact with the oil may be harmful to humans and pets. Many of the remaining birds are still able to fly so they don’t want to cause them additional harm or cause them to leave the area.

To help with their rescue effort, click here.