November 2025 • Nebraskaland 45
a candle fl ame. These are less harsh on the eyes and cause
fewer disturbances to nocturnal creatures.
Finally, use timers to control when your outdoor holiday
lights are on, and be sure to turn them off at bedtime. Lights
left on all night serve no real purpose and waste electricity.
Instead, limit illumination to the hours when people are
most likely to be outside to enjoy them, ensuring they don't
disrupt the nighttime environment. By following these
simple steps, we can continue to enjoy the festive ambiance
of holiday lights while minimizing their impact on the
natural world.
Mindful Soundscapes
The holiday season is often fi lled with the sounds of
celebrations, music and fi reworks. While these noises bring
joy to many, they can have a signifi cant impact on local
wildlife. Loud sounds, such as those from music, can cause
stress in animals, leading to disorientation and changes in
their behavior. For example, loud noises can cause deer, foxes
and birds to fl ee their habitats or alter their movements to
seek resources during the winter. To ensure that wildlife is
not disturbed during our celebrations, it is important to adopt
practices that minimize noise pollution.
One way to create a quieter celebration is by opting for
low-volume music. Keeping the volume at a moderate
level reduces the impact of sound traveling long distances,
especially in open areas or residential neighborhoods. This
helps ensure that nearby wildlife is not overwhelmed. If
using outdoor speakers, position them away from areas with
high wildlife activity. Setting a time limit for music also helps
avoid excessive disruption.
Finally, it's important to respect quiet hours, particularly
during early mornings and late nights when many animals
are most active. Nocturnal species, including owls, rely on
the quiet of the night for essential activities like hunting,
foraging and communication. Excessive noise during these
hours can disrupt their natural routines, leading to stress
and disorientation. By keeping noise levels down during
these times, we help ensure that wildlife can carry out their
activities undisturbed. A simple way to do this is by ending
Christmas lights outline the lodge at Fort Robinson State Park.
JUSTIN HAAG, NEBRASKALAND
