Contaminated Bermuda lake ‘so bad’ people should stay away while animals are rescued

An oil spill from a lake in Nuneaton has been described as “appalling” by the RSPCA. They remain at Bermuda Lake today with boats out to try to rescue the birds covered in the oil slick.

It warned that because the lake is “so badly contaminated”, dog walkers should stay away. The officers managed to rescue three geese, a young coot and an adult goose. But there are several that may need help.

RSPCA Inspector Nicola Johnson said: “This is a horrific incident. Oil spills can be lethal, so we are very concerned about the wildlife in and around this lake.

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“We managed to rescue three chicks from the lake on Wednesday night and yesterday we rescued more chicks, a very young fox and a full-grown goose,” she added. “They were all taken to Stapeley Grange Wildlife Center in Nantwich, Cheshire.

“We are continuing the rescue operation using two RSPCA boats and are working closely with other organizations including the local council and Severn Trent Water. We would also like to remind people that although the lake is still so heavily contaminated, dogs should be kept out of the water.”

The RSPCA, Environment Agency and Nuneaton and Warwickshire Wildlife Sanctuary as well as Severn Trent were at the lake yesterday and the rescue operation will continue throughout the day today.

Lee Stewart, manager of the RSPCA Stapeley Grange Wildlife Centre, added: “We have thoroughly washed the oil off these first three little ones and we are happy to report that they are all now clean. Two more oiled goslings, a day-old coot and a full-grown goose have recently arrived. So it’s going to be another busy day!

“If oil is not removed from waterfowl, it reduces the natural waterproofing of their plumage, leaving them at risk of dying from hypothermia – so it is vital that they are treated as soon as possible. Since the goslings have lost their parents, they will remain in our care until they are ready to fend for themselves, when we will return them to the wild. Stapeley Grange has a Natural England license which allows us to release Canada Geese back into the wild.”

The RSPCA is urging anyone with information about this incident or who sees pollution on water or land to call the Environment Agency’s 24-hour emergency line on 0800 80 70 60. Concerns about a wild animal that has entered contact with oil or other contaminants should be reported to the RSPCA emergency line on 0300 1234 999.

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