FLAGLER COUNTY, Fla. – After dozens of birds were found dead or sick on the shores of Central Florida beaches, Florida wildlife officials said these common household items have shown up in their stomachs.
Florida Wildlife Hospital in Palm Shores has seen over 70 shearwater birds come through its facility.
“That doesn’t count the birds that were already dead on the beach. There were also birds all the way up to St. Augustine up in North Florida,” Blue World Research Institute Senior Scientist Megan Stolen said.
Shearwater birds are typically open ocean birds, if they are found on the beach, they typically are already experiencing organ failure.
Florida Wildlife Hospital Executive Director Tracy Frampton said the plastic left on shores and even household trash not properly thrown away can cause a lot of damage to pelagic birds and other animals using the oceans to survive.
Here are the top four household items that have been harming animals:
- Plastic bags
- Bottles
- Jars, like peanut butter containers
- Six-pack rings
Here are some things you can do to help clean up and prevent more harm, according to Florida State Parks:
- Skip the straw and stash the trash
- If you’re out fishing, use monofilament line containers
- Join coastal cleanups and river sweeps
To find a coastal cleanup event near you, click here.
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