ASHEVILLE, N.C. – WNC Nature Center urges public to consider wildlife during July 4 fireworks displays

ASHEVILLE, N.C. – WNC Nature Center urges public to consider wildlife during July 4 fireworks displays

Firework safety is often referenced when it comes to children or pets, but local experts say wildlife can be just as impacted by the nighttime spectacle and loud noises. The WNC Nature Center wants residents and visitors to be very aware of wildlife this Fourth of July and how to keep them safe during other firework-centric holidays.

Impact on Wildlife

WNC Nature Center Director Chris Gentile said animals in a comfortable environment can get easily spooked in the wild when loud booms go off. This could cause creatures to seek shelter and safety, which could lead to disaster. “It’ll cause animals to run away and maybe get hit by a car because they’re not paying attention or maybe try to run into a hole that they see, and they hit their heads on something because it’s kind of a flight reaction when they hear something loud,” he said. “It’s a scary thing. Typically, when an animal is scared, they’re either fight or flight.”

Alternative Activities

Nature Center staff offered the following ways to enjoy the holiday without fireworks this year:

• Make fireworks in a jar: Drop food coloring into cooking oil and agitate with a fork. Then, gently pour the oil into a jar of water. Sit back and watch a silent color explosion!
• Make your lawn the envy of your neighbors: Add a patriotic glow to your yard with red, white, and blue lanterns, solar pathway lights, or fairy lights.
• How about a red, white, and blue scavenger hunt? You can extend your search to the WNC Nature Center. It’s open July 4 from 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m., with admission closing at 3:30 p.m.

Firework Safety

Gentile also wants firework users to be aware of the plants and trees that could catch fire, disturbing nature and displacing entire groups of wildlife. The Nature Center will be open for the Fourth of July but will not be having a fireworks celebration.