Issue link: http://janet.uberflip.com/i/1544257
As we approach the Fourth of July, a holiday tradi4onally celebrated with fireworks, lets consider the ecological and animal impacts of that holiday tradi4on. If we do that, we realize it may be be5er to turn to other avenues for a dazzling light and sound show this summer. Fireworks can be a scary 4me for pets. As for the animals we want to be out celebra4ng with, or inside cuddled up with, the noise that rockets through the air from fireworks is trauma4c. Re- ports of dogs during the Fourth of July show 80% experience anx- ious behavior while fireworks are in the sky. There are many reasons why dogs may be afraid of fireworks, with some breeds predisposed to be afraid of loud noises while others sense it as a threat. As for birds, the loud noise caused by explosions in the air can lead to prolonged periods of flight, which can expel unneces- sary energy and impact them returning to nests safely. Fireworks increase pollutants on the nights they are released and release chemical contaminants into water sources, decreasing water quality over 4me. Addi4onally, and less obviously, fireworks release "We uge the public to understand how distress- ing noisy fireworks can be for military veterans" FIREWORKS CAN TRIGGER PTSE IN VETS Courtesy of the Veterans Founda4on Facebook 4 th of J UL Y Bat House One of many styles of bat houses respond well to bat houses, similar to bird houses. These are usually smaller than bird houses and flatter, looking al- most like a mail-slot, with openings at the top and bottom of a thin rectangular box. You can attach them directly to tall tree trunks, where they should be placed higher on the tree than bird houses. Since more than half of the bat species in the US are in decline or en- dangered due in part to habitat loss, you could help return those numbers to healthier levels through bat houses. Next time you are thinking of building or buying a bird house, consider a bat house. Your bug-bite-ridden limbs will thank you come August. https://climate.uchicago.edu/insights/le ss-bats-increased-pesticide-use-leading- to-more-infant-deaths/ HOOK 9