Consider Nature This Halloween

First published by The Lions Bay Watershed on October 15th, 2026

This Halloween, choose decorations that celebrate the season without harming the wildlife that makes our neighborhoods special. Your yard can still be the spookiest on the block, just without the collateral damage.

Avoid Fake Spider Webs…… because, unlike the real thing, fake spider webs don’t break when birds big and small pass through. They are deadly for birds, bats and other wildlife. If you absolutely can’t do without them, place them on your windows to prevent collisions or consider swapping out fine threads for thicker rope, leave generous gaps, and check twice a day for accidental catches. Also avoid stringing decorations across open spaces where birds may fly through and skip invisible fishing line — almost impossible for birds to see. Instead, secure decorations directly to trees, buildings, fences, or other structures.

If you do see an injured bird, please reach out to local rehabbers for help.

Decorate Your Windows

Halloween is a great opportunity to go all out with spooky windows with eerie backlighting. Ghost and witch decals, fake giant spiders, and silhouettes of hissing black cats all match the mood of the season while reducing impacts on birds. 

Go Natural, Not Fake

Autumn is a time to celebrate nature—think hay bales and such— and it can be tempting to opt for long-lasting artificial nature decor. But if it looks lifelike to you, it may confuse foraging birds. Use natural materials to decorate the outside of your home, such as sticks, twigs, leaves, and straw and follow Bear Smart guidelines, too.

From ravens and crows to owls, wild birds are an integral part of Halloween lore. So why not lean in and teach your kids some fun facts about ravens, crows, owls, and birds of prey? Learning about birds and nature makes kids better stewards of the environment. 

Minimize Outdoor Light

Halloween coincides with Fall migration and bright artificial light at night can throw birds off-course, leading to exhaustion and disorientation.

Be Eerie, Not Noisy

Loud noises can stress and harm birds, pets and wildlife. Eerie music and spooky sound effects can be so much scarier. Think of the fairy tales of deep, dark woods that frightened you when you were a child and recreate that feeling!

Start a Friendly Conversation

If you notice a neighbor using fake spiderwebs, a kind approach can make all the difference. Start with a compliment about their decorations then share what you've learned about the risks to birds. Most people simply don't know about the danger and are happy to make a change once they understand. Offer specific alternatives like window application or indoor use. Keep it light and positive; frame it as a way to keep their display just as festive while being wildlife friendly. You might be surprised how many neighbours become advocates themselves once they know.

Learn more about making your home safer for birds here.