What creatures are most affected by oil spills?
A. Since most oils float, the creatures most affected by oil are animals like sea otters and seabirds that are found on the sea surface, or on the surface of beaches if the oil comes ashore. During most oil spills, seabirds are harmed and killed in greater numbers than other kinds of creatures. Sea otters can easily be harmed by oil, since their ability to stay warm depends on their fur remaining clean. If oil remains on a beach for a while, other creatures, such as snails and clams, may suffer. To learn more details about this topic, check an online report on oiled wildlife from the University of California at Davis (especially Chapter 3).
