7 Human Habits That Harm Wildlife, and How You Can Change Them

In this day and age, many of us are aware of our individual and collective imprint on the environment, animals and our own health. We do our best to reduce our waste and limit or end our consumption of animal products. We make a concerted effort to educate others about their impact, and raise new generations to have a greater awareness of their own habits on this planet. But no matter how much effort we put into protecting the earth and our fellow creatures that inhabit it, we can never know everything.

There are always more ways to improve every being’s circumstances. Sometimes, rather than adopting new habits, it is better to reexamine our current ones that may be inadvertently causing animals unnecessary harm.

1. Discarding Glass Bottles and Jars

While it is better for the environment to purchase foods in glass as opposed to plastic, this superior packaging still poses a threat to curious wildlife. If a glass jar or bottle is discarded without it’s top, small mammals may crawl inside seeking warmth or food. Unfortunately, many lizards or rats that find their way into the small enclosure become stuck, causing them to overheat or suffocate. When you throw away your glass, make sure the top is firmly secured on the bottle before disposing.

2. Throwing Away Six-Pack Rings

Though plastic six-pack rings that hold soda and beer may appear innocuous, they are actually very harmful to any wildlife that happens upon them. Animals like raccoons, who have a tendency to explore trash bins, as well as birds and fish, can become entangled in the small plastic holes and sustain serious injuries. If you purchase cans that have these plastic rings, cut them up before discarding to prevent this from happening.

3. Feeding Birds

Most of us are familiar with the image of an old man kindly feeding birds at a park, but the reality of this practice is far more disturbing. Ducks, geese, swans, and other waterfowl that are fed a high protein or carbohydrate diet may develop “angel wing”, a disorder that causes the last joint in one or both wings to unnaturally turn outward. This condition makes birds unable to fly. If you would like to give your feathered friends a snack, feed or duck pellets, sliced grapes, kale, and grains are just a few options.

4. Littering While Driving

We mostly associate littering with environmental harm, but it is also important to recognize its impact on wildlife. When you throw food out your window when you are driving, animals roaming nearby will be enticed to approach the roadway. If the animal is not fast, there is a chance that a passing car may seriously injure or kill him. If you need to discard food scraps, wait until you reach a rest stop or begin to keep a small garbage can in your car.

5. Throwing Away Plastic Bags 

Paper or plastic? If your answer is always plastic, your choices will undoubtedly affect the animals around you. Each year, tens of thousands of whales, birds, seals, and turtles are killed when they mistake plastic bags for jellyfish. Plastic bags cannot be digested, and instead remaining in the animal’s gut while it dies a slow and painful death. Always choose paper bags, or, better yet, bring a reusable bag to the store.

6. Using Pesticides and Insect Sprays

Not only are pesticides and insect deterrents detrimental to the environment, but they are extremely harmful to the animals that accidentally ingest them, especially birds and bees. Further, if these often toxic products enter bodies of water, they are harmful to all the wildlife that inhabits them.

7. Throwing Cigarette Butts on the Ground

We all know about the health and environmental consequences of smoking. But did you know that cigarette butts can harm wildlife, such as marine animals and birds? If discarded cigarettes are ingested, an animal may choke or become poisoned by toxins. If you choose to smoke, make sure that your cigarette butts are disposed of in a way that will not pose a threat to innocent animals.