Hurricane Ike impacts on wildlife

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Hurricane Ike became a real monster and wrecked havoc on wildlife and wildlife habitat as well as people and domestic animals.

"An official with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service said Tuesday the tidal surge from Hurricane Ike has left a "sheen" of oil on a southeast Texas wildlife refuge, potentially endangering rare species of birds and other animals.

Tim Cooper, project leader for the McFaddin National Wildlife Refuge, said oil apparently leaking from ruptured drilling equipment has affected a large area of the 55,000-acre preserve.

Cooper, who manages four refuge sites in the area, said a lesser amount oil has flowed into the nearby Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge.

Both preserves are near the Bolivar Peninsula, which was practically wiped clean when Ike roared ashore with winds of 110 mph early Saturday morning.

Cooper said the oil could have a significant impact on the wetland habitat, famous for its multitude of migratory birds and waterfowl." Read the full story here. SeEtta

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