The nonprofit group Greenwood Wildlife Rehabilitation Center urges residents to keep local wildlife in mind when decorating their homes for the holidays.

Greenwood workers treat injured, sick or orphaned animals at 5761 Ute Highway in unincorporated Boulder County near Lyons.

When it comes to outdoor decorations, the main dangers for wildlife are becoming tangled in lights, ingesting tinsel and birds striking windows with shiny garlands behind them, according to Mysti Tatro, community relations manager for Greenwood Wildlife Rehabilitation Center. Holiday decorations can become dangerous to wildlife unless a little thought goes into the festive display, Tatro said.

Tatro’s first recommendation for residents is to be aware of where they place Christmas lights.

“Lights can easily entangle wildlife if they are dangling and loose or low to the ground,” said Tatro. “Greenwood recommends hanging lights high up, at least 6 feet off the ground and ensuring cords are wrapped and secured tightly — bonus points if lights are on a timer to give birds and squirrels a little normal darkness for the night.”

Tatro said tinsel means bad news for wildlife in almost all cases, but especially when they eat it.

“Tinsel can become ingested if birds are actively foraging on the tinsel-covered tree,” said Tatro. “In some cases birds and squirrels have used the material for nesting, which can wrap around limbs, causing injury.”

In addition to avoiding tinsel, Tatro recommended avoiding using fake snow, nets and artificial plants.

Natural garlands can be a great decorating alternative, but be sure to keep them at least 10 feet away from windows, Tatro said.

“Window strikes, where a bird mistakes the reflection of the sky in a window and attempts to fly through it, are common injuries to our patients,” said Tatro. “Natural garland may attract birds, so keeping it away from windows that (birds) could strike will help prevent injury.”

In addition, animals can become entangled in inflatable characters and ornaments. Glass-bulb glitter can cause digestive problems if ingested, Tatro said.