The Southeastern Raptor Center, part of Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine, has responded to a request from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to provide wildlife assistance for species that may be impacted by the recent oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife is working with Tri-State Bird Rescue and Research, an organization contracted by British Petroleum.  While many wildlife organizations and individuals have expressed interest in providing assistance, all rehabilitation efforts must be coordinated through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Tri-State.

Coordination is vitally important for recovery and research efforts, and specific safety and other requirements must be met before anyone is allowed on-site for participation.

For up-to-date information about the incident, including photos, visit  http://www.deepwaterhorizonresponse.com/go/site/2931/.

To request volunteer information, call 866-448-5816.

Coast Watch Volunteers

Individuals who live along or are visiting coastal communities can watch for oiled wildlife, vegetation, and beaches by becoming a coast watch volunteer. Coast watch volunteers are community members who know the daily wildlife and plants that exist on their local beach.  Coast watchers will assist BP and their partnering organizations in identifying beaches that need attention.  
 
Coast watchers will work within the coastal communities where they live or visit and commit to do the following:

• Report injured or oiled animals: 866-557-1401 (messages checked hourly)
• Report oiled shoreline: 866-448-5816
• Report a change in air quality: http://www.epa.gov/bpspill/

Coast watchers are not permitted to enter off-limit areas to obtain observations and must not make contact with oiled wildlife, vegetation, and beaches due to health concerns associated with contact.