FIREWORKS AND WILDLIFE

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The day after Independence Day celebrations tends to be one of our biggest days of the year for new animal intakes at Santa Barbara Wildlife Care Network.

Why?

Fireworks. Loud booms and bright lights lead to confused, scared animals. We see it happen in our homes with our pets. We soothe them and convince them it will all be over soon. 

But what about the wild animals? Turns out, fireworks have devastating impacts on wildlife. Here are four reasons to take fireworks out of your celebrations for future holidays. 

4 Reasons to Take Fireworks Out of Your Celebrations 💥

1. Fight or Flight

Wild animals will always try to seek shelter from the fireworks. They will take off in one direction or another, leading to:

  • Car strikes

  • Mothers abandoning nests

  • Birds flying into windows

  • Wildlife venturing into people’s homes and garages to take cover

All these situations yield higher intakes at our Wildlife Care Center, and who knows how many more animals will be orphaned, injured, or trapped and never get help from a wildlife center.

2. Too Loud

Fireworks lead to irreversible hearing loss for animals that find themselves too close to the blast zone. They can emit noises up to 190 decibels. Both predator and prey species alike rely on their hearing to ensure their success in the wild. Scientists have observed that animals who are exposed to loud noises will have a harder time detecting noise to avoid predation. Animals with hearing loss will have a much harder time avoiding danger or finding food.

3. Stress Can Kill

Some wild animals can become so scared or surprised by fireworks that they die from fright. This is especially seen in small birds and mammals, like bunnies. Many others will experience intense nervousness and panic which leads to quick decision-making (fueled by the Fight or Flight response). Even if these reactions to nervousness or panic do not end in death, they can leave lifelong damage to an animal’s well-being. Experts are still evaluating animals’ capabilities to experience PTSD, but similar conditions have been found in dogs due to fireworks.

4. Risk of Wildfire

July is traditionally a dry month, so the risk of wildfire is often moderate-high. Fireworks shows, especially those orchestrated by amateur or first-time fireworks setters, always carry a risk of starting a fire. Wildfires devastate the already-reduced habitats of wild animals, causing them to cross dangerous roads, venture into areas of high competition, seek food and shelter in urban areas, or succumb to smoke inhalation.

Booms and explosions are not required to celebrate. Have a great time while living in harmony with wildlife!