Unfortunately, migratory and other bird species cannot tell the difference between a freshwater pond and a pond covered with a layer of deadly oil. Birds land on the pond, become trapped, are covered with oil, and soon die from exposure or suffocation. Birds and other wildlife species die after ingesting a toxic amount of oil in an attempt to clean their feathers or fur. This is a national and regional problem as is seen in this photo of an oil killed heron . Not all wildlife deaths occur in the oil pits themselves, nor are fatalities limited to bird species.
Some animals are able to leave the pit but still die nearby.
Field inspectors have found muskrats, fawns, and other animals near problem oil pits dead from oil ingestion. In addition to harming wildlife, problem oil pits can damage the environment and threaten human health. Oil from these pits can contaminate surrounding soil and seep into nearby surface water and groundwater. In 1997, the first year of the partnership, the workgroup concentrated its efforts on oil pits in Colorado, Montana, Wyoming and tribal lands in these areas. More information about the results of this program since 1997 are available on the program results page .