On Friday, Oct. 9, 2026, wildlife experts warned that artificial spiderweb decorations used for Halloween can entangle and injure birds and bats in Chicago neighborhoods.
Dr. Seth Magle of Lincoln Park Zoo said the synthetic webs create hazardous entanglement for animals moving through the area.
Many residents hang these fake spiderwebs during the Halloween season, but experts note they pose a risk to local birds and bats.