Warning over 'well-meaning' Aussie craze causing more harm than good: 'Huge issue'
Australians are warned not to discard their freshly cut hair in the environment, despite claims on social media doing so can help birds build their nests.
Keith Porteous, known as The Wildlife Rescuer online, said there's a current TikTok trend encouraging people to leave out human hair removed from brushes, for birds to use as nesting material.
Speaking to Yahoo News, Keith said while it's clear the trend has good intentions, it's actually causing more harm than good in many cases.
Sharing photos of a bird badly entangled in human hair, showing clearly visible injuries, Keith implored the public to think twice before leaving hair behind outdoors.
The Sunshine Coast local explained that human hair is both incredibly strong and fine, making it especially dangerous. "I rescue all animals, but a huge amount of my work is birds entangled in fishing line, string, twine, plastics and hair," he told Yahoo News Australia.
"I come across hair quite often and it is extremely damaging because it is fine and strong. Often it isn't spotted and the bird's issue may go unnoticed. But it's every bit as dangerous as line or string in terms of poor outcomes."
Whilst fishing line and man-made fibres are the "most frequent entanglements", he said he's also seriously concerned about the series of viral TikTok videos. "It could be a huge issue if the practice were to become widespread," he warned.
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Human hair is strong and durable, but unlike natural nesting materials, it doesn't break down easily in the wild. When birds incorporate it into their nests, it can pose significant risks.
The hair's strength, while making it seem like a useful material, actually makes it similar to fishing line, which can entangle birds, small animals, or even insects. This can lead to injury, strangulation, or death.
The chemicals often found in human hair from shampoos, dyes, and treatments can be toxic to wildlife. These substances can leach into the environment and contaminate water or soil, further threatening local ecosystems.
Although it may seem like a harmless act, leaving hair behind can inadvertently contribute to long-term environmental harm and compromise the well-being of animals that rely on natural materials for survival. It's important to dispose of human hair properly, ensuring it doesn't end up causing harm to the creatures we aim to help.
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