Balloons and Wildlife

Balloons released at a KC Chiefs Game.  Photo by Linda Williams

Balloons released at a KC Chiefs Game. Photo by Linda Williams

Balloons are a serious problem for wildlife.  They often mistake balloons for food or become entangled in the strings.  Either one can be a life threatening situation for the wildlife.  USFWS recently posted about the perils of balloons and wildlife with some pictures that may be hard too look at, but depict when the worst happens with balloons.  You can view that post here.

At the least, what goes up must come down and balloons create litter once they fall back to earth.  At worst they can cost a bird, turtle or other wildlife their life.  There are many other great options for events or memorials that serve the planet and it’s wildlife better.

Here are some great alternative options to balloon releases:

♦  Release milkweed seeds with the fluff still attached!  Monarchs are desperately in need of more milkweed plants and what would be a better memorial that to release seeds that help the monarch butterfly

♦  Plant a tree, perhaps ones that bear fruit or that are particularly attractive to wildlife.

♦  Blowing bubbles or creating giant bubbles and let the air carry them away!

♦  LIghting candles or making luminaries along a path.

♦  Having an event for a good cause such as bringing canned items for a food pantry, run a recycling event or hand out packets of native wildflowers or seed balls.

♦  Fly kites

♦  Have a painting party for a momento made on canvas, flower pots, rocks, paper or a variety of other media.  

If you have some ideas you would like to share as an alternative to balloon releases, please email the Burroughs Audubon Conservation Committee.

Releasing milkweed seeds from the pods with the fluff still attached also benefits monarch butterflies.  Photo by Karen Davis

Releasing milkweed seeds from the pods with the fluff still attached also benefits monarch butterflies. Photo by Karen Davis