A Silent Hazard in the Winter Glow: Protecting Alberta's Wildlife from Christmas Decorations

It’s a truly magical time of year, isn't it? As the days grow shorter and a crisp chill fills the air, many of us find immense joy in adorning our homes and yards with twinkling Christmas lights. They bring such a warm, festive glow to the winter landscape. But here’s a thought, something perhaps we don’t often consider amidst all the holiday cheer: those beautiful lights, if not placed carefully, can actually pose a serious, even life-threatening, danger to Alberta’s wonderful wildlife, particularly our deer and elk.

The Alberta Institute for Wildlife Conservation (AIWC), a group dedicated to the well-being of our animal friends, has been ringing the alarm bells, gently reminding us of this often-overlooked hazard. You see, deer and elk, especially the males with their impressive antlers, have a natural habit of rubbing their antlers against trees, bushes, and shrubs. They do this for a few reasons – sometimes to remove the velvet covering their growing antlers, other times to mark their territory, or even just to scratch an itch. The problem arises when our festive lights are wrapped low around these very spots. It’s incredibly easy for those wires and bulbs to get snagged and tangled.

And when a magnificent animal like a deer or an elk gets entangled, the consequences can be truly dire. Imagine for a moment trying to go about your daily life with strands of lights hopelessly caught on your head. They can restrict movement, making it difficult for the animal to graze, drink water, or even lie down comfortably. This can lead to exhaustion, starvation, and dehydration. Worse still, the wires can cause deep cuts and abrasions, which often lead to painful infections. There’s also the very real risk of getting snagged on fences, branches, or other obstacles, leaving them vulnerable to predators or even vehicular accidents. It's a heartbreaking situation that, thankfully, we can often prevent.

So, what can we do to ensure our holiday spirit doesn't inadvertently cause suffering? The AIWC offers some wonderfully practical advice. First and foremost, they suggest hanging your Christmas lights high – ideally above 2.5 meters, or about 8 feet off the ground. This keeps them well out of reach of even the tallest antlered creatures. Crucially, they advise against wrapping lights around low-lying shrubs, bushes, or the lower branches of trees where deer are most likely to browse or rub. And once the holiday season has passed and the festive mood begins to wane, please, please make sure to remove your outdoor decorations promptly. The longer they’re out there, the greater the risk.

Of course, sometimes, despite our best efforts, incidents still happen. If you ever encounter a deer or elk tangled in lights, or indeed, any wildlife in distress, the most important thing to remember is this: do NOT approach the animal yourself. Wild animals, especially when injured or frightened, can be unpredictable and dangerous. Instead, contact your local wildlife rehabilitation centre, like the AIWC, or your provincial wildlife authorities immediately. They have the training, expertise, and proper equipment to safely assess the situation and provide the necessary help without causing further stress or injury to the animal – or to yourself.

Ultimately, celebrating the holidays with beautiful lights is a wonderful tradition. But with just a little extra thought and care, we can ensure our celebrations are not only joyful for us but also safe and harmonious for the amazing wildlife that shares our Alberta landscape. It’s a small effort that makes a huge difference, reflecting a truly compassionate holiday spirit.