SANIBEL, Fla. - The algal blooms in Lee county is putting the hurt on wildlife. The Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW) has been busy treating animals because of Red Tide.
"We are definitely extending beyond what we normally see," Dr. Heather Barron from CROW said. "We're getting a lot of birds and an unusual amount of sea turtles."
Dr. Barron said Red Tide and the blue-green algae blooms could be harmful for wildlife.
Red Tide is a threat to sea birds, fish, and turtles. However, the green algae targets fresh water animals like ducks.
"It can be toxic to wildlife, people, and domestic animals," Dr. Barron said.
Red Tide and green algae are different types of algal blooms. They both could contain different toxins. Green algae has a neurotoxin and and a liver toxin that could give animals some trouble.
Dr. Barron recommends for pet owners to watch out for their dogs. The green algae could be harmful if dogs attempt to drink the water in the canals and lakes it is present in.
"Dogs are frequently exposed because they drink out of lakes that have the green algae," Dr. Barron said.
CROW said that if anyone should give them a call if you see wildlife hurting from the algal blooms. The clinic's phone number is (239)472-3644.
