At least 50 birds have been found covered in oil as a result of Sunday's 1,500-gallon oil spill into Sulphur Creek and the Yakima River near Sunnyside, state officials say.

Joye Redfield-Wilder with the Washington State Department of Ecology says the area is home to hundreds of species of fish and wildlife. This time of year the area supports wintering and migrating waterfowl as well as river otters, muskrats and beavers. She says Ecology crews are doing their best to clean up the mess.

The wildlife rehabilitation organization Focus Wildlife is on the scene and will evaluate the spill's effects on waterfowl and other wildlife, including how animals may be rehabilitated.  They say don't attempt to capture any oiled wildlife. Such efforts could endanger the safety of the public and the animals.

Volunteers are not needed at this time. To report oiled animals, leave a detailed message at 1-800-22birds (1-800-222-4737).

The tank responsible for the spill is no longer leaking and the majority of the oil is contained in Sulphur Creek, officials say. Oil is being vacuumed up and protective booms are in place at multiple locations, including where the creek meets the Yakima River and at the Yakama Nation fish hatchery near Prosser.

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