10/13/2026
Let’s keep Pennsylvania wildlife safe during spooky season!
While decorating this fall, please be considerate of all your neighbors, including wildlife. These tips will help take your creepy decor to the max while keeping your local critters safe.
- Refrain from “washing” pumpkins in chemicals to preserve them. Pumpkins will decompose — there’s no stopping it — just let it happen.
- If you choose to paint instead of carving pumpkins, use non-toxic or natural paint that won’t harm animals if ingested. Or choose to keep your painted pumpkins inside, then dispose of them properly.
- Consider composting or recycling your pumpkins once it’s time to switch seasons. Local farms, shelters, and zoos will sometimes accept toxic-free pumpkins for special treats for their animals.
- Avoid faux “spider web” decorations outside, where birds, bats, or other small critters can easily get entangled. This can cause severe injuries, and even death, for an animal that becomes caught.
Thanks for doing your part to help keep Pennsylvania wildlife safe!
Happy haunting, everyone!
