Cat Island, Louisiana facts for kids
Cat Island in 2016
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| Geography | |
|---|---|
| Location | Cat Bay |
| Administration | |
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United States
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| State | Louisiana |
| Demographics | |
| Population | Uninhabitated |
Cat Island was once a special island in Cat Bay, Louisiana. It was a marshy place, meaning it was made of soft, wet land. This island was a very important home for many birds, especially pelicans, where they could build their nests and raise their young.
What Happened to Cat Island?
Cat Island was a natural wonder, but it faced big challenges. Over time, the island started to shrink and break apart. This process is called erosion.
Signs of Erosion
The island began to show signs of erosion in the 1990s. This meant that the land was slowly being washed away by water. The plants that grew on the island were very important. Their roots helped to hold the soil together, protecting the island from the waves and currents.
The Impact of the BP Oil Spill
In 2010, a major event made things much worse for Cat Island. This was the BP oil spill, a huge oil leak in the Gulf of Mexico. Oil from the spill reached Cat Island. It covered the plants and the land.
The oil spill badly damaged the plants that protected the island. Without these plants, the island became much more vulnerable. The land that once held strong began to disappear faster. This sad event led to Cat Island eventually eroding away almost completely.
