Record D.C. fireworks raise concerns for wildlife and pets
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We've covered all the ways D.C.'s massive July 4 celebrations will affect people — traffic, closures, heightened security — but there's another group that's likely to feel the impact: local animals.
Why it matters: Freedom 250 wants to set a world record for the largest fireworks show, with the display running twice its usual length.
- That means all the animals that typically struggle during the Fourth of July will have to face even more noise and commotion this year.
What they're saying: Ospreys nest along the Potomac, and the birds don't respond well to fireworks — a fact that's especially concerning as the local osprey population is currently struggling, says Virginia Osprey Foundation president Joanie Millward.
- It's breeding season, and fireworks can cause moms to flee nests, leaving babies at risk to predators, says Millward. The birds can also injure themselves if they fly into objects when they become panicked and disoriented.
- Those risks are amplified by the scale of this year's show, says Millward.
- "To even lose one due to this would be devastating."
And D.C. isn't just worried about its literal "wild" life: Fireworks make cats nervous, says Krista Heinz of Capital Kitty Cat Resort, who is especially concerned about her cats this year, given the show's size.
- "Our animals don't understand why or where the loud noises are coming from, so it causes a lot of anxiety and stress," she tells Axios.
Plus: July 4 is already one of the most common times for dogs to run away, and a larger fireworks show likely increases that risk, a Humane Rescue Alliance spokesperson tells Axios.
By the numbers: It seems like locals are getting out of dodge with their pets: Searches for pet-friendly July 4 Airbnbs within 300 miles of D.C. have risen 51% since 2024, according to Airbnb data shared with Axios.
Between the lines: Fireworks have contaminants like chemicals and trace metals that don't dissolve easily once dispersed into water and soil, and which could hurt wildlife over prolonged periods of exposure, says University of Mary Washington environmental science professor Tyler Frankel.
- The prolonged exposure bit is key: Because of the way the Potomac flows, there are areas — like around Roosevelt Island — where water can get trapped and sit for long periods, especially when there's a drought like the one we're seeing now, says Frankel.
- That means these potentially toxic chemicals can get stuck in these areas and affect wildlife like amphibians and fish for quite some time.
- "The more fireworks that are used, the more potential concern there is that these contaminants are going to get to high enough levels to affect local wildlife."
The intrigue: While the National Zoo is far enough away from the show that zookeepers aren't too concerned, they usually take steps to soothe the animals before the fireworks, the zoo tells Axios — like making sure the elephant herd has indoor access overnight, or bringing in the mini donkeys.
- Also: Zookeepers often play talk radio like WTOP for Coba, the Amur tiger.
Zoom out: The fireworks aren't the only 250-related happening tied to animal concerns: There's been speculation that recent Reflecting Pool work could have led to the death of several ducklings in the area.
- The local nonprofit City Wildlife is currently doing necropsies on the ducks, and can't yet comment on the cause of their deaths.
The other side: Freedom 250 didn't respond to Axios' request for comment before publication.