Birds overdose on prescription pills dumped in a California park

Hope Schreiber
·Writer


Birds that appeared to have been intoxicated on prescription pills dumped in a Southern California park are now recuperating thanks to wildlife center staff.

The Wetlands & Wildlife Care Center shared photos of an intoxicated goose and gull on its Facebook page after neighbors in Huntington Beach, Calif., noticed the birds to be acting strangely. The birds were said to be walking slowly, and one goose passed out with its legs in the air.

According to the post, hundreds of pills, which may have included heart medications, antidepressants, and anti-anxiety and insomnia medications, were left at Carr Park by an unknown person. To the birds, the medicine may have appeared to be grain. According to one commenter, who identified himself as an assistant manager at a sober-living facility, one of the pills included Seroquel, a “heavy sedative used in [paranoia]/anxiety.”

The Canada goose and ring-billed gull received IV fluids and, as of Thursday, appeared to be doing better.

The goose was even back on its two feet, thanks to the administered fluids.

“A caring citizen noticed hundreds of pills all over the grass at a park in Huntington Beach yesterday. He saw a goose in distress and called Animal Control,” the nonprofit wrote. “There were other birds that may have eaten some of the pills but they were able to fly away. … Thank you to those who took quick action to help the innocent birds at this park.”

Read more from Yahoo Lifestyle:

Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter for nonstop inspiration delivered fresh to your feed, every day.