On July 31, a flock of 15 Canada geese inadvertently landed in the heavy tar or asphalt at the La Brea Tar Pits, leading to a tragic loss of wildlife as reported by the International Bird Rescue. Of the 15 geese, only two survived the incident.
Seven of the geese, which suffered extensive oiling and burns, were initially rescued and brought to the Bird Rescue’s Los Angeles Wildlife Center for care. However, five of these birds later died at the center, while the remaining two continue to recover from their injuries, including burns and feather loss.
According to the International Bird Rescue, the geese were “listless and unable to stand” upon arrival at the center and were “heavily covered in tar that they were barely recognizable.” Immediate intervention was required to remove enough tar to enable the birds to eat, breathe, and defecate.
The birds that arrived at the center were also suffering from a condition known as capture myopathy, which can develop in wild and domestic animals under severe stress. Capture myopathy results in muscle damage due to exertion or struggling. In this instance, the condition was caused by the geese attempting to free themselves from the tar.
JD Bergeron, CEO of Bird Rescue, commented on the incident stating, “It’s heartbreaking to see accidents like this occur. Birds in a changing world face dwindling natural habitat, and lack of habitat is a big problem for the wild animals that call Los Angeles home.”
While the lake pit at the museum is fenced off from public access, there are currently no measures in place to deter birds from flying in. The incident underscores the need for improved wildlife protection measures in urban areas, particularly in locations with potential hazards such as the La Brea Tar Pits.