Life and Death: How Should We Respond to Oiled Wildlife?

Abstract There is ongoing public debateabout the best course of action to take when wildlifeare affected by oil spills. Critics of wildlife rehabilitationsuggest that the cleaning and release of oiled animals is a waste of resources focused on individual animals (not populations); thus, the most responsible course of action is to immediately euthanize affected animals. These critics claim that survival of rehabilitatedanimals is poor, and that the funds spent on rehabilitationwould benefit wildlifemore if spent on other conservation efforts. In this opinion piece, with a focus on birds, we review reasons for engaging in a coordinated response to oiled wildlifethat includes cleaning and rehabilitation. The reasons for responding to oiled wildlifein any capacity include ethical, human safety, and legal aspects. Our rationale for proposing that responders attempt to rehabilitate wildlife, rather than planning on immediate euthanasia, includes financial, scientific, and additional ethical reasons. Fin...