A wildlife advocate is raising alarms about the impact of fireworks on young bald eagles in Big Bear. Sandy Steers, the executive director of Friends of Big Bear Valley, believes that the fireworks display during the July 4th celebrations could pose a serious threat to these young eagles, which were born just a few months ago.
Steers highlighted that young eagles typically have poor night vision, making them vulnerable during the noisy celebrations. The loud sounds and chaos associated with fireworks can lead to fear-induced behaviors, such as prematurely leaving the nest, which could result in severe injuries or even death from collisions with trees or other hazards.
She argues that the fireworks significantly lower the chances of survival for these birds during their critical first year. To mitigate this risk, Steers proposes eliminating the fireworks display during the Fourth of July, similar to restrictions already in place for Memorial Day and Labor Day. However, local leaders appear hesitant to adopt this change, citing tourism and economic factors as the main reasons to continue the tradition.
As an alternative, Steers suggests that producing a quieter event—such as a drone light show—could still attract visitors without endangering local wildlife. This innovative approach could not only preserve the environment and wildlife but also maintain tourism, reflecting a growing recognition that both nature and community events can coexist thoughtfully.
The discussion around this issue emphasizes the importance of balancing human activities with ecological conservation, ensuring that future generations of wildlife can thrive alongside community celebrations.
By focusing on this potential for change, the community can foster a more harmonious relationship with nature while still enjoying festive events.