Wildlife, bird sanctuaries see increased need after 4th of July fireworks

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Fireworks could be heard across the Cape Fear for much of the night on Thursday, and although fireworks are meant to celebrate, they can have unintended consequences for wildlife. 

The loud bangs that come along with those beautiful displays can greatly impact and even injure wildlife, particularly birds.  

Morgan Hooks is the education and outreach coordinator at Skywatch Bird Rescue, the only sanctuary for injured birds in New Hanover County. She said the week following the 4th of July is one of the busiest times of year for sanctuaries across the country.  

Hooks added that while pets may not be fond of fireworks either, the impact on wild animals can be much worse. 

“People and our pets are usually inside, so they’re not directly in front of the fireworks. They do kind of have that barrier between them and the fireworks. Wild animals do not have that luxury, and most cases those fireworks are going off within 5, 10 feet of the tree that they’re nesting in, or the burrow that they’re raising their babies in. So, they get really no escape from the fireworks,” she said. 

Hooks added if you find a bird that may have been injured, you can bring it to the sanctuary at 3600 Lynn Ave, Castle Hayne, NC or call their hotline at 1-855-40-73728.