Artificial Light at Night and Wildlife Welfare

How artificial light pollution disrupts wildlife behavior, physiology, and welfare for species from insects to sea turtles.

Key Facts

33% of the world's population cannot see the Milky Way due to light pollution
Artificial light disrupts circadian rhythms in hundreds of wildlife species
Sea turtle hatchlings follow moonlight to the sea but are fatally disoriented by coastal lighting
Migrating birds are drawn to lit buildings during migration and die in millions
Moths and insects show dramatic population declines linked to light traps at night

Welfare Considerations

Artificial light pollution is a global but often overlooked threat to wildlife welfare. Light at night disrupts the physiological rhythms of animals adapted to natural light-dark cycles, affecting sleep, reproduction, feeding, and anti-predator behavior. For sea turtle hatchlings disoriented by beach lighting, the immediate welfare consequence is wandering away from the sea until they die of dehydration or predation. For birds colliding with lit buildings, it is concussion and death. For insects trapped around street lights, it is death from exhaustion or predation. Solutions exist and are increasingly widely applied.

What You Can Do

Use motion-activated outdoor lights that only activate when needed
Switch to amber-colored LEDs which are less disruptive to wildlife than white LEDs
Turn off unnecessary indoor lights at night, especially during migration seasons
Support dark sky designations and lighting ordinances in your community
Advocate for sea turtle-friendly lighting in coastal development regulations