Herring Gull Found Frozen To The Road

The following story about a herring gull was shared with us by Woodford Cedar Run Wildlife Refuge of New Jersey.

In early February 2021, the wildlife hospital at Woodford Cedar Run Wildlife Refuge admitted a herring gull that was found frozen to the road by passersby. The harsh temperatures and excessive storms this past winter was extremely difficult on birds. The gull had likely been caught in freezing rain that coated his feathers, making it impossible to fly.

On intake our wildlife rehabilitators found the herring gull to be thin, dehydrated, lethargic, hypothermic, and lacking his waterproofing. After warming the gull, we started fluid therapy and medications to make him comfortable.

Once he was stable and rehydrated, we gavage-fed him EmerAid IC Piscivore to get him slowly back to eating on his own. Also once he was stable, we provided him with access to water daily to begin his waterproofing process.

After a month of care and re-acclimation to outdoor temperatures, the herring gull was waterproof and ready for release!