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Unitec States Department of the Inter gor DEC 13 i943 
{ Mish ent Abalife Service 
' aoe ae ee ee oe eee 
Wildlife Teaflet 222 
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Washington, 
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TREATING, Oc) OLR SOAKSD, BARDS, 
By Frecerick ©. Lincoln, “Biologist,, Distributaon and Micration of Burds 
Davasaon ot 7 hice ARS Research 
The hazard to wildlife caused by oil pollution in coastal and interior 
waters has been a serious matter for many years, but the areas affected 
have been greatly increased by the sinking of oil-burning and oil-cargo 
vessels by enemy action. Ducks, gulls, cormorants, loons, pelicans, and 
other seabirds are the most frequent victims. The action of seawater seems 
to be such as to change the oil into a tarlike substance, which sticking 
the feathers together, makes the bird helpless and unable to fly. A 
thoroughly oil-soaked bird is a pitiful sight. Unless it is given human 
aid, it is coomec to death by starvation or exposure. 
Fumping bilges or bunkers in ballast from oil-burning and oil-cargo 
vessels within the territorial waters of the: United States is prohibited 
by the O11 Pollution Act of 192)...°This law is administered by the Corps 
of Hngineers of the ar Department, and violations should be reported to 
the District Sngineer. 
Most of the oiled birds that are found along beaches are protected 
uncer the terms of the liigratory Bird Treaty Act, which is administered 
by the fish and ‘4ldlife Service. Rescue of such birds has the full 
approval of the Service, but any verson Cesiring to retain possession of 
birds so salvagea for any length of time shoulc apply to the Fish and 
Walelafe Service for the permit requirec, at which time full cetails 
regerding the case should be given. 
THAT. INT 
Heavily oiled bircs ere frequently bevond human aid. “hen any are 
found in this condition, the best course is usually to cestroy them as 
humanely as possible. Many birds, however, can »e restored with care 
anc patience. Do not use alcohol, turpentine, kerosene, or gasolene. 
such, solvents will burn the bird's skin, A mild white soap -(oreferable 
in flake or granulated form), warm water, and persistent application will 
usually remove the oil. 
LIBRARY 
CURRENT SERTAL RECORD 



U.S, DEF AR Mi) OF AGRICULTURE 


