Fireworks display still going ahead for New Year’s Eve

People hoping to see the fireworks show from elsewhere in the community are also reminded to stay in their small family bubbles, social distance and not gather.

Jim Krentz, a local wildlife rehabilitator, said he was concerned the fireworks noise and lights would create fear and panic among the wildlife in the area.

He said the site is on the border of a wildlife sanctuary, and the display could impact the animals.

“King Hill is right on the edge of the sanctuary there, where the goose pond is and the river valley,” Krentz said. “It’s a well known fact that fireworks scare wild animals a lot. It puts them into a frenzy.”

He said there are many deer, moose, grey partridge, great horned owls, red fox, coyotes and other animals in that area.

“I’m just thinking King Hill is probably the worst spot to set off fireworks next to where all these wild animals are,” Krentz said.

He said there have been many articles on the detrimental effect of fireworks on wildlife.

“Today I was down there and saw a group of grey partridge and a couple of deer, and I thought what is going to happen tomorrow when these fireworks go off,” he said.

He is worried animals could run onto the road or flee to the unstable frozen river surface, putting their lives in danger.

Gillan said he recognizes the fireworks would create some added noise in the area.

“Of course fireworks are a little bit loud,” he said. “Even domestic pets are scared sometimes. I think the best thing is for domestic pets to put them inside probably as a precaution.”

For wildlife, Gillan said the city has not been aware of any issues in previous years whenever any fireworks displays were held at King Hill, and wasn’t anticipating any problems for tomorrow night.

“We don’t think there will be an issue,” he said.

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angela.brown@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @battlefordsNOW

by Angela Brown

Fireworks display still going ahead for New Year’s Eve

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