A cleanup effort was underway in Toro Canyon Creek after natural seepage from a 19th century oil well.
A cleanup effort was underway in Toro Canyon Creek after natural seepage from a 19th century oil well affected the waterway and led to the rescue of oiled wildlife in the area. Authorities said the creek had been retrofitted to prevent seepage in the 1990s, but that system was subsequently damaged by the Thomas Fire and heavy rain events. (Contributed photo)

A cleanup effort was underway in Toro Canyon Creek after natural seepage from a 19th century oil well affected the waterway and led to the rescue of oiled wildlife in the area.

The Office of Spill Prevention and Response, along with Santa Barbara County officials, were monitoring the cleanup progress at the remote site.

The Oiled Wildlife Care Network has been activated and continues to assist. 

So far, crews have collected a number of dead animals, including 17 small birds, 13 bats and one squirrel. 

Additionally, 19 oiled frogs and a lizard were collected alive and were receiving veterinary care.

Authorities said the creek had been retrofitted to prevent seepage in the 1990s, but that system was subsequently damaged by the Thomas Fire and heavy rain events.

— Noozhawk North County editor Janene Scully can be reached at jscully@noozhawk.com. Follow Noozhawk on Twitter: @noozhawk, @NoozhawkNews and @NoozhawkBiz. Connect with Noozhawk on Facebook.

— Noozhawk North County editor Janene Scully can be reached at jscully@noozhawk.com. Follow Noozhawk on Twitter: @noozhawk, @NoozhawkNews and @NoozhawkBiz. Connect with Noozhawk on Facebook.