Easton, MD – According to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, excessive artificial light at night is disrupting ecosystems and endangering wildlife across Maryland, prompting calls for reduced nighttime illumination during International Dark Sky Week.
As International Dark Sky Week begins on April 13, experts from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources highlight the detrimental effects of light pollution on the state’s diverse animal populations. This annual event, organized by DarkSky International, encourages residents to minimize artificial light use to aid bird migration and support natural habitats.
Light pollution, defined as excessive or misdirected human-produced light during nighttime hours, not only obscures views of the stars but also poses serious hazards to wildlife. In Maryland, where population density contributes to high levels of ambient light, particularly around urban areas, the impacts are pronounced even in more remote locations.
Birds, especially those traversing the Atlantic Flyway—a major migration route through Maryland—face the greatest risks. Many songbirds and shorebirds migrate under the cover of night, relying on celestial cues for navigation. However, artificial lights disorient them, leading to collisions with buildings and other structures. Kevin Stohlgren, Maryland’s state zoologist with the Maryland Wildlife and Heritage Service, explained that light pollution causes birds to veer off course into populated zones, increasing the likelihood of fatal strikes.
Nationwide, up to 1 billion birds perish annually from building collisions, with a significant portion occurring during migration seasons in spring and fall. To mitigate this, initiatives like Lights Out Baltimore urge businesses and households in the state’s largest city to extinguish non-essential lights during peak migration periods. Volunteers also participate in rescue efforts for injured birds, underscoring the community’s role in conservation.
Beyond birds, light pollution affects bats, fish, insects, and other species. Nocturnal bats, such as the little brown and big brown varieties common in Maryland, experience disrupted foraging patterns and reduced habitat availability due to bright lights. Fish are drawn to illuminated areas where they can hunt invertebrates more easily but become vulnerable to predators in the process.
Insects, including vital nocturnal pollinators like moths and fireflies, suffer from behavioral disruptions in feeding and mating. Artificial lights attract them, making them easy targets for predators and altering garden ecosystems when outdoor lights are left on. Max Ferlauto, Maryland’s state entomologist, noted that this not only impacts insect populations but also the broader food web.
Marine life, though less directly affected in Maryland’s coastal areas, faces similar challenges. While sea turtle nesting primarily occurs further south, disorienting lights near beaches can mislead hatchlings, drawing them away from the ocean toward dangerous inland areas.
Stohlgren emphasized the accessibility of solutions, stating that simple actions like turning off residential lights can yield substantial benefits. “It’s one of those easy things everyone can do to make a difference,” he said. Recommendations include using shielded fixtures, dimmers, motion sensors, timers, and warmer-toned bulbs to direct light downward and reduce spillover.
The benefits extend to humans as well. Reducing light pollution can improve sleep quality by preserving natural circadian rhythms and enhance appreciation of the night sky. In Maryland, where urban glow often drowns out stars, these efforts promote overall environmental health.
To engage the public, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, in partnership with DarkSky Maryland, is hosting several events during Dark Sky Week. These include stargazing at Tuckahoe State Park on April 17, a new moon night hike at Sang Run State Park on the same evening, and a historical night sky exploration at Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad State Park on April 18. Additional activities feature stargazing at Janes Island State Park and a lecture on cosmology at Soldiers Delight Visitors Center, all aimed at fostering awareness and appreciation of dark skies.
These initiatives align with broader conservation goals, reminding Maryland residents of their role in protecting wildlife habitats. By participating in Dark Sky Week, individuals contribute to safeguarding the state’s rich biodiversity for future generations. For more information, visit Maryland Department of Natural Resources.