According to the Alberta Energy Regulator the number of bird deaths on tailings pond north of Fort MacMurray is up to 122, with 3 major companies reporting bird deaths in their tailngs ponds. This is in spite of the fact that scarecrows guard many of these ponds in order to keep the birds away. Suncor, Syncrude, and CNRL all operated tailings pond where the bird deaths occurred. On the Horizon Site operated by CNRL60 birds died. The ponds operated by Syncrude had 30 bird deaths, and Suncor reported just 6 birds dead. The oil companies involved try to prevent the death of any wildlife caused by their operations, and there are a number of methods that are used. In addition to scarecrows companies may employ radar units, propane cannons, and long range acoustic devices.
A representative for CNRL blamed the tailings ponds bird deaths on the weather in the area. There was heavy fog and the visibility was poor according to the source. The spokesperson for CNRL Julie Woo confirmed that the waterfowl deterrence system was in place and working properly when the birds died, and both Suncor and Syncrude also confirmed that their deterrence systems were also up and working fine when the bird deaths occurred. Investigators from the Alberta Energy Regulator have been sent to the area to ensure that the wildlife deterrents are actually working properly and that the companies are in compliance, although the agency also believes that weather played a role in the tailings ponds bird deaths as well.