Effects of oil exposure on wildlife

[2] Oil spills have a more drastic impact in the late winter and early spring months, because large populations of overwintering birds gather near shores.

[2] Ingestion of oil can result in lung, liver and kidney damage, often leading to death.

[1] Eggs laid prior to an oil spill can also become damaged if an affected animal sits on the nest.

[4] Mammals are affected by oil spills in many of the same ways birds are, including organ damage, immune system suppression, skin irritation, and behavioral changes.

[4] It affects a variety of marine mammals, including sea otters (Enhydra lutris), whales (Order: Cetacea), dolphins (Suborder: Odontoceti), seals (Clade: Pinnipedia), and manatees (Trichechus spp.).

[2] Sea otters are among the most susceptible of marine mammals, because the oil interrupts their ability to trap air within their fur for insulation.

[2] Other species, such as marine turtles (Superfamily: Chelonioidea), fish, and shellfish can also be adversely affected by oil spills.

[4] Many species of shellfish can survive exposure to oil, but accumulate high levels in containment in their bodies.

[citation needed] External exposure to oil often leads to destroyed insulating fur or feathers, resulting in death from hypothermia.

[5] Contact with oil can also result in blindness, which impairs animals' ability to compete for food or to avoid predators.