Guillemots found covered in unidentified sticky substance

01.02.12

We have been called to the rescue of more than 100 sea birds being found covered in an unidentified sticky substance.
 

The guillemots have been found along the Dorset/Devon coast from Weymouth to Torquay covered in the greasy film, many have very sore legs. They are mainly being found on the near Portland,West Dorset.

The birds are being taken to our West Hatch Wildlife Centre in Somerset where efforts to clean them are being made with the usual techniques. It is too early to know whether this has been successful, but the early signs are that they are not responding well.

Manager of RSPCA West Hatch Peter Venn said:

The numbers of birds arriving in to our centre are growing and we are doing all we can to help them - but it is too early to tell how successful these attempts will be.

We do not know what this substance is or where it has come from yet but we do know it is not fuel. It may be bi-product from manufacture, but at this stage we just do not know.

We would urge anyone who finds any of these birds to contact the RSPCA on 0300 1234 999.

There are also reports of the sticky substance washing up on the beach, so we would urge people walking their dogs in the area to also be careful.

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