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WNC Nature Center Urges Public to Consider Wildlife During July 4th Fireworks

Posted on by angelo

ASHEVILLE, N.C. (WLOS) — Fireworks safety is often discussed when it comes to children or pets, but local experts say wildlife can be just as affected by the nighttime spectacle and loud noises.

THEWNC Nature Center wants residents and visitors to be extra aware of wildlife this July 4th and how to keep them safe during another fireworks-centric holiday.

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Chris Gentile, director of the WNC Nature Center, said animals that are in a comfortable environment can easily be spooked in the wild when loud explosions occur. This could cause the creatures to seek shelter and safety, which could lead to disaster.

“It can cause animals to run away and get hit by a car because they’re not paying attention or maybe they’re trying to run into a hole that they see, and they hit their head on something because it’s kind of a flight response when they hear something loud,” he said. “It’s a scary thing. Typically when an animal is scared, they fight or flee.”

Nature Center staff suggested the following ways to enjoy the holidays without fireworks this year:

  • Make a firework in a jar. Pour food coloring into cooking oil and stir with a fork. Then carefully pour the oil into a jar filled with water. Sit back and watch a silent explosion of color!
  • Make your lawn a place of envy for your neighbors. Add a patriotic touch to your yard with red, white and blue lanterns, solar lights or string lights.
  • How about a red, white and blue scavenger hunt? You can expand your search at the WNC Nature Center. It’s open July 4 from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with admissions closing at 3:30 p.m.

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Gentile also wants fireworks users to be aware of plants and trees that could catch fire, disrupting nature and displacing entire groups of wildlife. The Nature Center will be open for the Fourth of July, but there will be no fireworks to celebrate the Fourth of July.