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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 sa国际传媒 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.

Itsa国际传媒檚 the reason Braithwaite, also a councillor for Greater Victoriasa国际传媒檚 District of Oak Bay, went in search of sa国际传媒渂eef nettingsa国际传媒 that provides a safe yet spooky alternative to cobwebs. Made of polyester and cotton blends, the material isnsa国际传媒檛 sticky and fibrous.

sa国际传媒淭hings can land on it and take off, it doesnsa国际传媒檛 have filaments in it, thatsa国际传媒檚 the big difference,sa国际传媒 she said.

sa国际传媒淭here was so much angst around the birds and itsa国际传媒檚 so horrible for the poor birds, especially around here we have so many teeny little birds.sa国际传媒

Itsa国际传媒檚 not inexpensive, but comes in a big roll and can be cut down to manageable sizes, with holes added to create the webbing effect.

sa国际传媒淭he other beautiful thing is itsa国际传媒檚 reusable,sa国际传媒 Braithwaite said.

Each year sa国际传媒 this is the fourth sa国际传媒 she washes, untangles and folds the pieces up for storage until the next fall.

While she purchased a large roll years ago, shesa国际传媒檚 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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