‘This is harmful’: PINS reminds beachgoers to pick up their trash

Oct. 22, 2020Updated: Oct. 22, 2020 10:55 a.m.

In a Wednesday Facebook post, Padre Island National Seashore recently reminded its visitors to pick up their trash while at the beach.

PINS

In a Wednesday Facebook post, Padre Island National Seashore reminded its visitors to pick up their trash while at the beach.

PINS wrote some of its rangers have seen quite a few balloons among other trash while checking the conditions of the beach in the past few weeks. The post included a photo of deflated balloons and plastic bags, and PINS said that the image is shared showed just a “small” picture of the balloons that were found.

“Remember when you release balloons, they often end up in our oceans and on our beaches,” PINS noted. “This is harmful not only to the sea turtles that nest here but other wildlife as well.”

PINS said that balloons are also dangerous to migratory birds, as well as scavengers, like raccoons, coyotes, or even caracaras and vultures – all animals who will eat anything.

“They may mistake these balloons for a tasty treat,” PINS wrote.

While at the beach and celebrating an event, PINS concluded that all need to remember to hold onto their balloons and throw away other trash to help keep the beach clean. The post urges its guests to find a more “environmentally friendly” option for decorations if they can.

Priscilla Aguirre is a general assignment reporter for MySA.com | [email protected] | @CillaAguirre