It is often discussed how fireworks impact people and even their pets, but did you know that fireworks can also have negative impacts on our native wildlife populations. Every year wildlife hospitals and rehabilitation centers around the country, including the Wildlife Medical Clinic (WMC), see an increase in the number of orphaned and injured wildlife in the weeks surrounding 4th of July.
How do Fireworks Harm Wildlife?
Just like you and me, wildlife are scared by loud noises. The loud thunderous sound of fireworks can frighten wildlife causing them to panic. Birds might fly into windows. Small mammals like rabbits and squirrels may flee in fear, injuring themselves in the process. There is also a greater risk of animals abandoning their babies. Because of the loud and often disorientating noises animals fleeing in a panic may not think it is safe to go back for their babies afterwards. This leaves them in the care of wildlife rehabilitators if they are found by good Samaritans. While wildlife rehabilitators have the tools and knowledge to raise these animals, they can never fully replicate the care that the parents provide to their offspring. Raising orphaned wildlife often poses many challenges, so it is much better if these animals are able to stay in the wild with their parents.
You also must consider the waste produced from fireworks. Like small children and puppies, wild animals tend to pick up things with their mouths and eat them without knowing that they may be harmful. Paper, cardboard, strings, and plastic are all waste products from fireworks, and they all pose a risk to animals if eaten. Not to mention the trash is coated in the chemicals that allow fireworks to light and give them their unique colors, many of which are toxic to wildlife. Unfortunately, ingesting trash from firework shows may lead to death for some animals. If you have ever had a pet eat something they shouldn’t and had to rush them to the vet, you will understand just how critical these cases can become and unfortunately, we are often too late for wildlife who have ingested foreign materials and are having complications. String like materials are also detrimental to birds as it can easily become tangled in their wings, leaving them unable to fly, unable to get food, and defenseless against predators.
And last but not least, fireworks have the potential to start wildfires. Wildfires can be a huge ecological disaster on top of the devastation they can cause to humans. Anytime fire is being used there is a risk for it to get out of control and fireworks are no exception this.
How Can You Help?
The absolute best thing to do would be to completely stop using fireworks. Things like drone light shows are a much safer alternative to actual fireworks. In some situations, they can look just as good if not better than fireworks. Not to mention, they are also a lot quieter and don’t come with the all of the litter or the potential to start wildfires. However, they do require professionals with equipment to set up, which is not feasible for someone to do in their backyard.
If you’re not able to cut out fireworks completely there are other options to try. One would be to consider going to your local community fireworks show instead of setting them off at your home. Many towns, parks, and other organizations put on firework shows for the public to watch each year. Not only is it a lot safer for the people involved, but it also reduces the total number of fireworks being set off, lessening the impact to local wildlife.
If you are going to be putting on a show at home, there are also a few things to consider. One, setting off smaller fireworks that aren’t as loud can help prevent scaring wildlife. Two, making sure that you are picking up any trash left behind from the fireworks can prevent wildlife from becoming tangled or ingesting the firework debris. Three, you can make sure you are not setting fireworks off in a dry field or next to dry brush that may catch fire. Being mindful of the risk that a fire can pose is often the first step and helps to prevent it. And finally, you can consider donating to a local wildlife center. Taking care of orphaned or injured wildlife can be costly and most rehab centers rely on donations to keep running.
So, before you celebrate this upcoming Independence Day, remember to keep our wildlife friends in mind and do your best to have a safe and animal friendly celebration!
Written by Grace L, class of 2027.
