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December 24.2025
2 Minutes Read

How to Keep Wildlife Safe While Decorating for the Holidays in New Mexico

Curious deer with red holiday lights in backyard, wildlife-friendly holiday decorations

Keep Wildlife Safe This Holiday Season

As the season of festive decorations begins in New Mexico, the Department of Game and Fish emphasizes the importance of keeping wildlife safe during this joyful time of the year. The holidays are not only a time for family and friends to gather, but also an opportunity to showcase creativity through decorations. However, these ornamental displays can pose unexpected risks to local wildlife. Here’s how you can spread holiday cheer without putting our animal friends in harm’s way.

A Few Tips on Wildlife-Friendly Decorating

When it comes to adorning your home, consider placing decorations safely away from areas frequented by wildlife. The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish has provided several helpful tips:

  • Indoor Displays: Whenever possible, opt to display decorations on the inside of windows. This minimizes the risk of wildlife getting tangled.
  • Strategic Outdoor Placement: Keep decorations limited to areas immediately around your home, steering clear of wildlife corridors.
  • Secure Attachments: Ensure that any outdoor decorations are firmly attached to structures and avoid setups that could entangle animals.
  • Height Matters: String lights should be hung at least 8 feet off the ground to prevent antlered animals from getting caught.
  • Eliminate Edible Looks: Avoid using items that may resemble food to wildlife, such as some types of faux plants.

Adopting these suggestions not only ensures safety for wildlife but also encourages a more sustainable approach to holiday decorating.

Engaging & Natural Alternatives

In a quest to bridge decoration with wildlife safety, why not consider biodegradable or edible decorations? For instance, making bird-friendly treats from pine cones and bird seeds not only supports local wildlife but also adds a personal touch to your festivity. Additionally, real decorations such as fresh fruits or evergreen branches could offer a natural aesthetic while serving as food for the creatures that call New Mexico home.

The Community Connection

By choosing wildlife-friendly decorating practices, New Mexicans can set an example for their neighbors and raise awareness around the need to protect local wildlife. The festive spirit can flourish without compromising the health and safety of animals inhabiting our shared environment. As we celebrate, we should consider our effect on nature, promoting coexistence between humans and wildlife.

The Joy of Giving Back

As we enjoy the beauty of the holiday decorations, let’s also convey messages of kindness and responsibility to future generations. By adopting wildlife-friendly practices in our holiday decor, we not only create a brighter celebration but also foster a deeper appreciation of the nature surrounding us.

The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish wishes you all a safe, happy, and festive holiday season!

ABQ Culture, Arts & Heritage

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