A recent oil spill in the San Francisco Bay is threatening the wildlife around the area, especially the local birds. On November 7, the freight ship Cosco Busan collided with the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge due to heavy fog. The majority of the oil spilled has already washed up on beaches, however the high tides predicted to come around Thanksgiving could carry the oil back into the water, causing more damage to the wildlife. Cleanup teams also removed a lot of the oil, but there are still remnants along some parts of the coast. Approximately 16,000 gallons were cleaned up, and another 4,000 evaporated. The remnants of the spill creates tar balls, which could linger on the beaches through the end of the month. The sand on the beaches also sticks to the oil, forming thick, heavy masses which can sink down into the earth.
The effects of the spill are having disastrous effects on the wildlife in the area. Nearly 1,400 birds have already died, among the 2,000 that were drenched in oil. About 18 beaches and piers were still closed over the weekend as cleanup crews work tirelessly to restore California's coast back to it's natural beauty. However tides can carry the oil up to 40 miles away, threatening area sanctuaries and breeding grounds. A criminal investigation is being conducted on the crew of the ship.
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