Surge of Sick Brown Pelicans Hits Central Coast Prompting Influx of Rescue Calls

The Santa Barbara Wildlife Care Network says it has seen an unusual influx of ailing California brown pelicans over the first two weeks of March, with 32 birds brought in for care and more reports of distressed and deceased pelicans across Santa Barbara and Ventura counties.

Arriving pelicans are emaciated and dehydrated, and some dead birds have been found in atypical locations, including along freeway shoulders, according to the organization. SBWCN also reports an uptick in other seabirds needing help, including murres, cormorants and grebes.

The cause of the pelicans’ distress is not yet known. SBWCN said its team is monitoring the situation and will keep the public informed as more information becomes available.

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Members of the public who encounter a pelican in distress in Santa Barbara or Ventura counties are urged to call the SBWCN HELPLINE at 805-681-1080 before attempting a rescue or to report an animal that needs help. The organization advises:

• Do not handle birds showing neurologic signs such as falling over, losing balance or seizing; call and wait for assistance.
• Never touch wildlife with bare hands.
• If you are able to safely rescue an animal, call the HELPLINE for guidance first.
• If you find a deceased animal, you do not need to bring it to SBWCN; you can call the HELPLINE to report its location.

SBWCN notes it is Wildlife Baby Season, the busiest time of year for wildlife care, and encourages the public to call the HELPLINE with any questions or concerns about animals in distress. The line is answered seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Those wishing to support SBWCN’s response can donate at www.sbwcn.org/donate. Donations help provide the care, food, fluids and medications needed to rescue and rehabilitate wildlife.

Founded in 1988, the Santa Barbara Wildlife Care Network is a nonprofit that rescues, rehabilitates and returns to the wild sick, injured, orphaned and oil-impaired wildlife in Santa Barbara and Ventura counties, and educates the public about coexisting with local species. The organization cares for more than 4,600 patients each year, including small mammals, shorebirds, songbirds, raptors and reptiles. For animal emergencies or wildlife advice, call 805-681-1080.