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The Effects of Light on Wildlife

Dark sky advocates create a hue and cry over the effects of artificial lighting on wildlife.

Detrimental effects of artificial lighting have been documented in certain cases, for example, baby sea turtles becoming disoriented from excessive beach lighting.

However, other claims are not so readily verified. The National Zoo doesn't say anything about "light pollution" in describing the actions of migratory bids.

Preserving wildlife is important, but the issue is balance. Harshly restrictive dark sky ordinances in cities and towns don't protect the sea turtles on far-away beaches. It is possible to create havens for endangered species without jeopardizing the safety and livelihoods of urban dwellers.

Research is currently being done on the effects of lighting on specific species. Credible scientific research, not hype and scare-tactics, should be the basis for wildlife conservative planning.

Lights shouldn't be turned off in our cities to protect sea turtles on beaches hundreds of miles away.