Animal death toll rises in wake of oil spill

The number of animals dead as a result of last week’s oil spill in the North Saskatchewan River has reached double digits.

Wes Kotyk, executive director of the environmental protection branch with the Saskatchewan Ministry of Environment, said 14 animals, mostly birds, have died during recovery efforts.

He said several other animals have been recovered and are currently being cared for.

According to a report from Husky Energy, who are on the scene coordinating cleanup efforts, five animals are in treatment, including two birds, two snakes and one beaver.

Between 200,000 and 250,000 litres of oil entered the North Saskatchewan River sometime between the night of Wednesday, July 20 and the morning of Thursday, July 21.