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Mystery Goo Now Blamed For Killing At Least 80 East Bay Shorebirds

ALAMEDA (CBS SF) - Wildlife experts are still tying to identify a mystery substance that has now covered and killed at least 80 birds on the East Bay shoreline.

The gray, sticky material has no odor and is not believed to be toxic. It coats birds' feathers and prevents them from insulating their bodies.

Experts and volunteers have been scrambling to clean the surviving birds.

Alexia Retallack, with the Department of Fish and Wildlife spill-prevention agency, she told KCBS her team was called in Friday after receiving reports that dozens of birds were in distress along the bay shore from Hayward north to Alameda.

Contaminated Birds
Two birds being treated for a mysterious gooey substance coating their feathers. (Chris Filippi/KCBS)

Retallack says the response team started scooping up the birds which were still alive in order to help rehabilitate them. At the same time, they began testing the substance coating their feathers.

Testing on the substance was scheduled to begin Tuesday.

Once they identify exactly what the substance is, rescue officials can develop a better response procedure.

Bufflehead Coated in Goo
One of the shorebirds covered with the mysterious substance in the East Bay. (International Bird Rescue Photo)

Though this is not a public safety risk, officials are advising people not to touch affected birds.

Dozens of people were helping to look for more birds this weekend, led by members of the International Bird Rescue foundation.

To get involved in the clean up, apply with Wildlife Emergency Services.

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