By Samantha Sander, DVM, Dipl ACZM
As the Fourth of July draws closer, many communities are actively preparing for their annual festivities. Patriotic fanfare coupled with the shimmering lights and booming explosions of fireworks are honored traditions often synonymous with Independence Day celebrations. Unfortunately, these celebrations can be quite harmful to local wildlife.
Fireworks
Fireworks in particular can be hazardous, startling any number of species to display abnormal behaviors and movements. Wildlife have been documented fleeing into public spaces and across roadways, flying into buildings or other obstacles, and abandoning nests as well as their young. This extreme flight response can cause injury and death, increased exposure of young to predators, and a stress response so severe it can cause death to the animal. Fireworks and firecrackers have also been blamed as a source of litter, which can be a choking hazard and toxic if ingested, as well as starting wildfires, which can cause extreme habitat destruction in some cases. These extreme responses aren’t unique to wildlife – fireworks celebrations have triggered PTSD episodes in people, overwhelmed individuals with sensory sensitivities, and are associated with a marked increase in runaway pets each year.
Help Wildlife and Still Have Fun
Rather than blacklist Independence Day celebrations all together, we can evolve our celebrations into something more sensory and wildlife friendly. Local and state ordinances can help mitigate the deleterious effects to wildlife while still facilitating the jovial celebrations we all come to look forward to each July. “Silent” fireworks create a similar visual effect as regular fireworks, without the sound. For personal celebrations, avoiding dry areas, removing any debris, and distancing from wildlife habitats can go a long way to enjoying the celebration without inadvertently causing harm. Whether you celebrate with firecrackers, glow sticks, balloons, or any other Fourth-related gear, take extra care to pickup and properly dispose of any remnants before wildlife can scamper off with them.
The Fourth of July allows us each to celebrate our country, the warm summer weather, and our time together. We encourage you to stay safe this Independence Day and also to keep wildlife in mind as you enjoy your celebrations.
