An organization dedicated to animal welfare in Prince George, B.C., has been providing nasal naloxone to crows believed to have ingested toxic substances left accessible in the downtown area. The Good Caws Crow Rescue Society (GCCRS) has shared videos of their volunteers administering nasal naloxone to unresponsive crows, with the birds subsequently becoming alert and able to fly again.
According to Dayna Slater from GCCRS, the crows receiving assistance are concentrated in an area known for illicit drug use, leading to concerns and challenges. Slater mentioned an increase in suspected drug overdoses among crows this year, surpassing previous years’ occurrences. She described the symptoms observed in affected crows, noting signs like outstretched wings, closed eyes, slowed heartbeat, and the presence of brown liquid foam from their beaks.
While some crows have unfortunately perished, most have been successfully released after recovering within a day. Dr. Kaitlyn Liukaitis from the Birchwood Veterinary Clinic, who has treated some of the affected crows, confirmed that the symptoms align with toxic drug overdoses. She highlighted the effectiveness of naloxone in reversing these symptoms, also emphasizing its common use in veterinary care for various animals.
The rise in drug toxicity in British Columbia’s cities has prompted multiple public warnings. In Prince George, overdose incidents have surged, leading to increased emergency responses and sirens sounding downtown. As harm reduction measures face political opposition, accessing safe alternatives to street drugs becomes more challenging for individuals with addiction. Advocates urge the provision of indoor spaces for drug use to prevent outdoor exposure.
Slater collaborates with harm reduction groups to identify crows experiencing suspected overdoses and access expired naloxone kits for volunteer use. She believes the crows unintentionally encounter toxic substances due to environmental factors and advocates for covered garbage cans to prevent access to harmful materials. Slater emphasized the need for proactive solutions to safeguard both wildlife and the environment.