California Wildlife Expert Warns Against Using Fake Spider Webs for Halloween Decor

Halloween decorations, particularly artificial spider webs, pose a significant risk to wildlife, including bats, birds, and insects, according to California wildlife experts. Corky Quirk, who operates the bat rehabilitation organization NorCal Bats, has reported that her group has already received two calls this year regarding bats entangled in these festive decorations. "She had the spider webbing in her mouth, wrapped around her wings. It was a mess," Quirk told CBS News Sacramento.

One bat rescued by NorCal Bats died, while another is currently undergoing rehabilitation. Quirk explained that while bats use echolocation to navigate, they do not always employ this ability when hunting for insects on the ground. This can lead them to become ensnared in the sticky, artificial strands. "Because they’re looking for a grasshopper on the ground so these guys will get caught," she said.

Experts from Bat Conservation International echo these concerns, noting that artificial webbing does not break down easily like real spider webs. This lack of fragility makes it a dangerous trap for bats and birds, potentially leading to starvation or exposure to the elements. "Unlike real spiderwebs, artificial webbing doesn’t break easily, meaning bats and birds are easily tangled up in the strands where they risk starvation or weather exposure," their website states.

Health officials are also cautioning the public about the dangers of interacting with bats. They advise that if a bat is found trapped in decorations or elsewhere, it should not be touched. Instead, wildlife agencies or organizations should be contacted, as bats can carry rabies. California has reported 320 cases of rabies in bats statewide this year, according to the California Department of Public Health. Rabies is transmitted through the saliva of infected animals, typically via bites, but exposure can also occur if saliva enters the eyes, mouth, or an open wound. While rabies is nearly always fatal once symptoms appear, prompt medical treatment can prevent the disease.

Anyone bitten by a wild animal is urged to seek immediate medical attention and report the incident to public health officials.