Tinley Park, IL – A Halloween decoration showing up across lawns and porches this month is causing an unexpected horror for local wildlife — and experts say most people don’t even realize they’re doing it.
According to P.A.W.S. Tinley Park, those stretchy “spider web” decorations that look spooky at night are becoming death traps for migrating birds, butterflies, and small mammals. The thin, sticky plastic strands can tangle wings and legs, leaving animals trapped and unable to escape.
“During migration season, birds fly through unfamiliar areas and can’t tell the difference between fake webs and natural vegetation,” the rescue group explained in a Facebook post. “They can become fatally caught within seconds.”
Even pets are at risk — curious cats and dogs can get tangled or ingest the material, leading to choking or intestinal blockages. Because the webs are made of non-biodegradable plastics, they also linger long after Halloween, contributing to pollution and litter.
Wildlife experts recommend replacing fake webs with safe, festive alternatives like pumpkins, corn stalks, reusable fabric, or LED projectors for spooky effects.
As bird migration continues across the Midwest and East Coast this week, animal groups are urging residents to inspect decorations daily — and skip the plastic webs altogether.
“This simple choice can save countless wild creatures,” P.A.W.S. said. “Let’s keep Halloween spooky, not deadly.”
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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