Oil spills contain poisonous chemicals which are readily absorbed through the skin of sea animals like seals may react to oil spills by not eating, so that they starve to death. Sea otters can easily be harmed by oil, since their ability to stay warm depends on their fur remaining clean. Fish and shell fish may be tainted and unsuitable for eating for a year or more after an oil spill.
During most oil spills, seabirds are harmed and killed in greater numbers than other kinds of creatures. If oil remains on a beach for a while, other creatures such as snails and clams may suffer.
