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Spooky B.C. home highlights need for bird-friendly spiderwebs

Fibrous fake webbing can injure wildlife: BC SPCA
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A fan of Halloween, Oak Bay resident and municipal councillor Hazel Braithwaite goes all out in terms of yard decor. She intentionally sought out a more wildlife-friendly cobweb option. (Courtesy Hazel Braithwaite)

When Hazel and Rod Braithwaite start stringing up spooky fake cobwebs on the lawn two things invariably happen 含羞草研究社 people stop to thank them for the display while others remind them of wildlife hazards.

Each fall the BC SPCA reminds Halloween decorators that fake spiderwebs in bushes and trees can be scary for our feathered friends who get caught in the webbing.

It含羞草研究社檚 the reason Braithwaite, also a councillor for Greater Victoria含羞草研究社檚 District of Oak Bay, went in search of 含羞草研究社渂eef netting含羞草研究社 that provides a safe yet spooky alternative to cobwebs. Made of polyester and cotton blends, the material isn含羞草研究社檛 sticky and fibrous.

含羞草研究社淭hings can land on it and take off, it doesn含羞草研究社檛 have filaments in it, that含羞草研究社檚 the big difference,含羞草研究社 she said.

含羞草研究社淭here was so much angst around the birds and it含羞草研究社檚 so horrible for the poor birds, especially around here we have so many teeny little birds.含羞草研究社

It含羞草研究社檚 not inexpensive, but comes in a big roll and can be cut down to manageable sizes, with holes added to create the webbing effect.

含羞草研究社淭he other beautiful thing is it含羞草研究社檚 reusable,含羞草研究社 Braithwaite said.

Each year 含羞草研究社 this is the fourth 含羞草研究社 she washes, untangles and folds the pieces up for storage until the next fall.

While she purchased a large roll years ago, she含羞草研究社檚 noticed similar items in local shops.

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While the BC SPCA, asks folks to ditch the dangerous spiderwebs, it does have advice for anyone who finds a trapped bird. The animal welfare agency recommends gently separating or cutting the decor to free the bird. Place the animal in a well-ventilated box with a towel or padding on the bottom and bring it to a wildlife rehabilitator to check for injuries. Call 1-855-622-7722 for advice.

Send us photos or videos of the spookiest houses in your neighbourhood. Email newsroom@vicnews.com.



Christine van Reeuwyk

About the Author: Christine van Reeuwyk

Longtime journalist with the Greater Victoria news team.
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