Birds, bats and other urban animals face noise, light and air pollution from firecrackers, with Wildlife SOS urging people to adopt quieter and wildlife-friendly Diwali celebrations.
Diwali fireworks may add colour and excitement to India’s festive celebrations, but their impact extends beyond human neighbourhoods. Birds, bats, reptiles and free-ranging mammals living in urban environments can face significant disturbances from loud explosions, bright flashes, airborne pollutants and chemical residues, according to wildlife conservation organisation Wildlife SOS.
The organisation has raised concerns about the growing impact of fireworks on urban wildlife, highlighting how sudden bursts of noise and light can disrupt animal behaviour, disturb resting patterns and expose vulnerable species to injury and other risks.
Here are six things to know about how Diwali fireworks affect urban wildlife.
1. Fireworks disrupt birds during their nighttime resting hours
Birds depend on darkness and relatively quiet surroundings to rest safely. However, the sudden noise and intense flashes produced by firecrackers can force them to abandon their nighttime roosts and take flight unexpectedly.
Scientific studies conducted during Diwali have recorded a substantial increase in nocturnal bird activity during fireworks. Researchers observed both a rise in the number of birds taking flight and an increase in their flight altitudes compared with periods without fireworks.
Such disturbances can interrupt resting patterns, cause disorientation and expose birds to additional risks in densely populated urban areas.
2. Wildlife SOS rescued over 2,100 wild animals during Diwali periods
Rescue figures compiled by Wildlife SOS underline the challenges faced by urban wildlife during the festive season.
Between 2021 and 2025, the organisation rescued more than 2,100 wild animals across Delhi, Agra and Vadodara during Diwali festive periods.
The rescue figures included:
- Delhi: More than 600 animals.
- Agra: Over 700 animals.
- Vadodara: More than 700 animals.
The rescued animals comprised over 650 mammals, more than 700 birds and over 700 reptiles.
In Bengaluru, a wildlife rehabilitation centre recorded 141 rescues involving birds and reptiles during the Diwali period in 2025.
3. Bats and urban mammals are also vulnerable
Birds are not the only animals affected by fireworks. Bats, which rely on sheltered roosting locations to rest and raise their young, can be disturbed by intense noise and artificial illumination around their colonies.
Other urban species, including rhesus macaques, palm squirrels and civets, may abandon shelters or avoid familiar feeding areas following repeated disturbances.
Sudden explosions can also trigger panic and escape responses among free-ranging mammals. Animals attempting to flee may run into traffic, become separated from their familiar territories or sustain injuries.
4. Firecracker activity may affect bird populations in urban wetlands
The impact of fireworks can extend beyond immediate disturbances to animal behaviour.
In Kolkata, birdwatchers at Rabindra Sarobar reported a decline in sightings of resident and migratory birds following firecracker activity during Kali Puja and Diwali in 2025.
The observation raises concerns about the disturbance caused to urban green spaces and wetlands, which provide important resting and feeding habitats for birds.
5. Fireworks add to urban noise and air pollution
Apart from the immediate stress caused by explosive sounds and flashes, fireworks contribute to short-term air and noise pollution.
Airborne pollutants and chemical residues can add further environmental stress to already vulnerable urban habitats.
For wildlife living close to residential areas, parks, trees and wetlands, repeated disturbances during festive celebrations can make familiar habitats less suitable for resting and feeding.
6. Wildlife SOS urges people to celebrate a quieter Diwali
Wildlife SOS is calling for more responsible celebrations that reduce the impact of fireworks on animals.
Baiju Raj M. V., Director, Conservation Projects, Wildlife SOS, said birds rely on darkness and quiet surroundings to rest. Sudden bursts of sound and light can force them into flight when they should be conserving energy, potentially causing disorientation and exposing them to additional dangers.
He urged people to choose quieter celebrations and avoid bursting crackers near trees, parks and wetlands.
Geeta Seshamani, Co-Founder and Secretary of Wildlife SOS, said the spirit of Diwali should extend to animals sharing urban spaces with humans. She emphasised that thoughtful choices can make celebrations more compassionate without diminishing their festive spirit.
How can people make Diwali safer for wildlife?
Wildlife SOS has recommended several practical steps to minimise disturbances during the festive season:
- Choose quieter celebrations and reduce the use of firecrackers.
- Avoid bursting crackers near parks, wetlands, trees and known wildlife habitats.
- Dispose of firecracker debris responsibly.
- Keep companion animals in secure indoor spaces during fireworks.
- Do not chase, handle or attempt to rescue injured wild animals without appropriate expertise.
- Contact qualified wildlife rescuers or veterinarians when an animal appears injured or distressed.
As cities become increasingly crowded and natural habitats face mounting pressure, protecting urban wildlife requires greater consideration of the animals that share these spaces with people.
The bigger question is whether festive celebrations can become more responsible without making wildlife pay the price.