Report an Oiled Animal

Unfortunately, it's not uncommon to find individual oiled animals along the California coastline, even when there isn't a major active spill. If you find an oiled animal,

1. Please do not touch it or try to approach it!

Handling oiled animals can pose a health and safety risk to both you and the animal you are trying to rescue. Many times people who come in contact with oiled wildlife aren't aware they're being exposed to dangerous chemicals.

Oil contains numerous compounds that can cause damage to the skin, the respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts. Oil can damage internal organs like the liver, and may cause cancer. Furthermore, wildlife pose a physical risk to handlers. 

2. Please call the OWCN Response Hotline at 1-877-UCD-OWCN (823-6926).

We will provide you additional information and direct you to a local OWCN Member Organization which has been set up to care for oiled wildlife.

To download a brochure on how to report an oiled animal, please click here.