Wildlife advocates and environmentalists are warning that balloon releases are endangering wildlife in the Gulf Coast. The balloons often land in the Atlantic or Gulf Of Mexico, and end up as pollution, or worse, many marine animals mistake the colorful plastic for food, and the balloons end up in the stomachs of fish, turtles, dolphins, and other wildlife.
“I really don't think people realize that when they let go of a balloon that sooner or later that balloon's got to come down,” said Peter Clark, founder of Tampa Bay Watch.
“Balloons in particular when they hit into the water, they look like a food, like jellyfish for things like sea turtles and other wildlife,” said Clark.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is sharing a warning, and Florida’s Fish and Wildlife Conversation Commission said ribbons entangle birds. They say balloons on their own are fine, but are asking that people not release helium balloons into the air. And always bring your trash with you when you leave a beach, park or yard. Please don't leave your trash behind!
[FOX13]