An organization dedicated to animal welfare has been providing nasal naloxone to crows suspected of ingesting harmful substances left within reach outdoors in downtown Prince George, British Columbia.
The Good Caws Crow Rescue Society (GCCRS) has shared several videos featuring their volunteers administering nasal naloxone to crows that appear unresponsive initially.
The videos demonstrate the crows becoming alert and capable of flying again after receiving the treatment.
Naloxone, a medication commonly used to counteract the effects of an opioid overdose in humans, is being used by Dayna Slater from GCCRS to aid crows located in an area of the town known for illicit drug activities.
Dayna Slater expressed concerns, stating, “It’s disheartening, it’s scary. It’s a combination of factors creating a challenging situation.”
Slater mentioned that in previous years, they encountered one or two suspected drug overdoses annually but have observed over a dozen cases among crows this year, marking a significant increase.
Describing the symptoms, she noted, “Their wings are outstretched, eyes closed, heartbeat slows down. They are unresponsive but alive,” adding that some exhibit brown liquid foam from their beaks.
Although some crows have succumbed to the poisoning, most have been successfully released after recuperating within 24 hours.
Dr. Kaitlyn Liukaitis from the Birchwood Veterinary Clinic, who treated some of the affected crows, confirmed that their symptoms align with those of a toxic drug overdose.
She also highlighted the effectiveness of naloxone in reversing the symptoms, citing its common use in veterinary medicine to treat various animals.
Reflecting on the situation, she expressed, “It’s always disheartening how our actions as humans impact the environment.”
Increase in Drug Toxicity
Several cities in British Columbia have witnessed a surge in toxicity within the illicit drug supply, prompting multiple public advisories.
In Prince George, calls related to overdoses have tripled at times, leading to a constant wail of sirens in the downtown area where the affected crows are being discovered.
Amid a growing backlash against harm reduction strategies like supervised consumption sites, outreach groups emphasize the increasing challenges faced by individuals with substance use disorders in accessing prescribed alternatives to street drugs.
Advocates call for safe indoor spaces where people can consume drugs, aiming to prevent outdoor exposure.
Slater mentioned collaborating with harm reduction organizations, crucial in identifying crows exhibiting suspected overdoses and providing expired naloxone kits for their volunteers.
She believes that the