SAN DIEGO — Spiderwebs are a classic Halloween decoration that is usually strung along bushes or in front yards. While the decorations are festive, wildlife experts said they're also dangerous.
Chantal Larose is the Wildlife Operations Manager at San Diego Humane Society's Project Wildlife Program. She said animals such as birds, bats, young opossums, squirrels and skunks can get stuck in the fake webs.
"If it's a bird, it can cause a lot of injuries to their feathers and once they get out their feathers are all messed up, they can't properly fly," Larose said.
If the animals struggle to get untangled, it can cause constrictions or even break their bones.
"They get wrapped around their arms and stuff, and it's really bad," Larose said. "The skin can start sloughing off, it's a very serious thing."
Larose said the animals are not aware the fake webs are there or they don't understand what it is because it's not natural to their environment. She also warned against hanging decorations with mesh or netting outside.
"If birds land on it they could get their feet stuck in it," she said. "Same thing like possums and raccoons, they can get their hands stuck in these things."
If you find an animal stuck in the decorations, Larose said to take the entire thing to the Wildlife Center and not try to untangle the animal. If it's a rabies vector, such as a bat or skunk, she said to call the HLE or dispatch department for someone to come out and remove it. That number is 619-299-7012 ext. 1. Animal-related concerns can also be sent by email to investigations@sdhumane.org.
Larose said entrapment isn't a concern for domestic animals like our cats and dogs, but like all other decorations, make sure they don't eat it.