11.9.2007 7:56 AM

Oil Spill Threatens Birds in San Francisco Bay

Waterfowl, Fish and Mammals Are Threatened

Comments

San Francisco oil spill. The oil slick pases by Alcatraz Island in the Bay Area

An oil slick floats past Alcatraz Island, San Francisco.

Photo: Eric Risberg / AP Photo

By Dan Shapley

Miles of San Francisco Bay are fouled by an oil slick that threatens some of the richest wildlife on the Pacific Coast, including hundreds of thousands of birds, marine mammals and fish, according to the San Francisco Chronicle.

About 58,000 gallons of fuel oil spilled earlier this week, just as migrating ducks and other waterfowl make their way through the bay.

Wildlife officials are starting to take the grim tally, and no one expects the toll to be small, as the oil type is particularly toxic and hard to clean up.

COMMENTS ()