The rescue and rehabilitation of a gull found on White Rock's waterfront in early July with a wooden barbecue skewer in its neck underscores "the serious impact of human trash on wildlife."
According to Wildlife Rescue Association of B.C. officials, multiple reports about an injured gull near the city's pier came to them on July 5. After several attempts, it was ultimately located and captured by a rescue volunteer on July 7.
Examination determined that the skewer, fortunately, did not damage anything vital 鈥� but it did come close, association officials said.
"The skewer was approximately a few millimetres from the trachea, and no vital organs appeared to be traumatized 鈥� the bird required close monitoring to ensure no potential injury to the GI tract," communications coordinator Elin Molenaar said Tuesday (July 29) by email.
Under the wing of the rescue association, the Glaucous-winged gull received pain meds, antibiotics, a soft diet and supportive care before being banded by Vancouver Avian Research Centre co-founder Derek Matthews and released back on White Rock beach on July 28.
鈥淲e are delighted to see this bird return to the wild following this horrific injury,鈥� the association's programs director, Jackie McQuillan, said in a news release.
The incident was the second of its kind in two years, the release notes. The previous incident occurred in September 2023.
Molenaar emphasized the importance of "protecting our wild neighbours from avoidable harm" by properly disposing of trash.
"This injury is a tragic example of the harmful effects human trash can have on wildlife," the release adds.
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