5 Ways to be Night Sky Wise
Posted: 03/12/26
Join Big Bear's quest to save the night!
Big Bear is known for its stunning landscape and natural environment. It's home to numerous native species - flora and fauna - that rely on a healthy ecosystem to thrive. Caring for our environment includes taking steps to keep our waterways and our air clean and free of pollution. But did you know that preserving our night sky is just as important?
Light pollution contributes a significant amount of environmental damage, effecting wildlife patterns and plant biology.
But how?
A group of birds takes off over Big Bear Lake. - Bending Energy Photography
A recent study estimates that between 100 million and one billion birds are killed in the United States each year as a result of collisions with buildings. The Condor: Ornithological Applications
Birds
Migrating birds navigate by moonlight and starlight. Excessive artificial light at night - namely from larger cities - can be disorienting for migrating birds and act as an attractant.
Bats
Bats are typically a nocturnal species relying on the night to avoid certain predators, ease competition for food and even prevent overheating.
Raccoons
These highly intelligent and adaptable critters rely on the night to forage for food and avoid predators.
Bugs & Insects
Creepy crawlies aren't everyone's favorite species but they're essential for a thriving ecosystem and rely on the cover of night to navigate by the moon and stars and to conserve water consumption.
How Do We Mitigate Light Pollution?
Much of the light pollution that comes from large urban areas is not possible to eliminate, but we can make better decisions about the light we do use. Dark Sky International promotes the "5 Principles of Responsible Outdoor Lighting", a guide for people everywhere on decisions around when, where and how best to use exterior lights to minimally impact the environment.
