Ted Talks Winter Wildlife Safety

Hey y’all, it's your friendly neighborhood Ted. Today I'm talking about how you can help wildlife in your own backyard.

Winter brings changes not just for animals, but for how we use our homes and yards. But fear not! Small adjustments can significantly reduce harm. 

• One overlooked issue is outdoor lighting. Bright, constant night lighting disrupts nocturnal wildlife, including owls, bats, and birds that overwinter in Middle Tennessee. Using motion-activated lights, shielding bulbs downward, or simply turning off unnecessary lights at night helps wildlife navigate safely while still keeping homes secure. 

• Another winter hazard: windows and reflective glass. Birds are especially vulnerable during colder months when food is scarce and every injury is matter or life-and-death. Applying temporary window decals, soap streaks, or tape patterns on large glass surfaces can dramatically reduce bird-window collisions. This is particularly important near feeders, berry-producing shrubs, or wooded edges common in Nashville neighborhoods.

• Winter yard care can also unintentionally harm wildlife with chemicals. Ice melts, pesticides, and herbicides may seem harmless when applied sparingly, but runoff can contaminate soil and water sources used by birds, amphibians, and small mammals. Choosing wildlife-safe alternatives (such as sand or clay-based products) and avoiding chemical treatments altogether during winter helps protect animals when their bodies are already under seasonal stress.

I hope everyone is safe and warm, and thanks for coming to my Ted Talk!

Ted