As Halloween approaches, wildlife experts are warning the public about the potential dangers that Halloween decorations can pose to birds, insects, and small mammals. In Nebraska, the Nebraska Wildlife Education group is cautioning residents about the use of fake spider webs, which can entangle creatures such as hummingbirds, owls, butterflies, bees, and small critters. Amber Schiltz, the interim division administrator of the Nebraska Game & Parks Commission's Fish & Wildlife Education Division, explained that these plastic-based decorations are not biodegradable and can cause harm to wildlife if they are blown to other areas by the wind. Unlike real spider webs, these synthetic decorations do not break easily, resulting in animals becoming trapped and potentially dying from injury, starvation, or predation if not rescued and rehabilitated.

The issue of entanglement in fake spider webs extends beyond Nebraska. Wildlife rehab centers across the country have reported an increased number of entangled animals and insects in recent years, including warblers, hummingbirds, screech owls, dragonflies, and butterflies. This problem is particularly concerning as the Halloween decorating season coincides with key migration periods, affecting creatures that rely on urban areas as part of their habitat. Unfortunately, statistics on the number of animals trapped in fake spider webs are not readily available, but environmental watchdogs, as well as wildlife experts, have been issuing warnings about the dangers these decorations pose to small wildlife.

The Facebook page Help Save Our Hummingbirds HSOH, with 56,000 followers, issued a warning on September 2, urging people to be mindful of how they decorate outside for Halloween. The post highlighted the fact that fake spider web decorations have proven to be fatal for birds, including owls, and emphasized the suffering these animals endure when they become entangled in the webs. The warning also extended to bees, butterflies, and still migrating hummingbirds that may still be active in warmer climates.

WildCare, a nonprofit organization and wildlife hospital in San Rafael, California, has treated numerous animal patients with entanglement injuries caused by Halloween decorations. The organization advises against using fake spider webs or placing garden netting or webbing in yards to prevent entanglement risks. If these decorations are already in place, WildCare recommends checking them twice a day for trapped animals.

The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign's College of Veterinary Medicine - Wildlife Medical Clinic also advises Halloween decorators to avoid using fake spider webs. Instead, they suggest alternative decorations that do not pose a risk to wildlife, such as thicker rope-like ornaments.

Amber Schiltz proposes three options for wildlife-friendly Halloween decorating. One option is to place fake webs indoors, ensuring that they do not pose a threat to wildlife outside. Alternatively, decorators can replace fake webs with other decorations that are less likely to entangle animals and insects. Lastly, if spiders are present, decorators can allow them to build their own webs, which not only adds to the spooky ambiance but also provides natural pest control.

In conclusion, with Halloween just weeks away, experts are urging the public to consider the potential hazards that Halloween decorations, specifically fake spider webs, can pose to wildlife. By making small changes to their decorating choices, individuals can enjoy the holiday while also protecting and respecting the creatures that share their environment.