The oil spill has wreaked havoc on ecosystems in the Gulf -- and the effects will linger on for years. But BP's coffers are already taking a hit: included in the $69 million bill the federal government recently sent BP is $29 million to reimburse agencies involved in the mop-up. That includes the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services, which is on the Gulf Coast frontlines trying to save oiled birds, sea turtles and mammals. A daily report from the agency documents the grim critter casualty figures.
Scientists at University of California-Davis' Oiled Wildlife Care Network say the cost to clean and rehabilitate one oil-drenched bird could reach $750 each, and mammals could run as high as six times that amount. Spread that across the thousands of animals being affected by the spill, and the final bill could run well into the millions.
"It depends on each individual animal, what they need, how long they're kept and whether they're a mammal, bird, or endangered species," said Alexia Retallack, a spokeswoman for the California Department of Fish & Game. "There are so many variables to consider."
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