Happy Independence Day weekend, everyone!
Before you set out for the holiday weekend, I wanted to share something new I learned just this week.
Most of us know that our pets are not fans of fireworks displays – no matter how pretty, but did you know that wildlife can be adversely affected, as well?
Fireworks have been shown to disorient animals such as birds, rabbits and even deer.
The noise can cause them to flee into roadways, abandon their nests and decrease their appetite. Additionally, soot, residue and waste from fireworks can end up in rivers and streams where fish are likely to eat what washes their way.
Courtesy of Natural Lands, here are some suggestions for minimizing the impact on wildlife while still enjoying your Independence Day celebration:
- Minimize the noise: Try to choose quieter options to avoid disrupting wildlife too much. For example, laser shows are far less disruptive than fireworks to the environment.
- Choose fireworks with minimal waste: Pick fireworks you can swiftly and easily dispose of after the display.
- Drive slowly: Animals are going to be running scared. Be prepared to brake suddenly and avoid collisions.
- Don’t forget your pets: Bring in your pets well before dusk to keep them safe and comforted.
As always, the top five stories from this week’s news are below to help you stay current.
All the best,
Cassie Miller | Associate Editor |