The global pandemic is taking a new toll on the environment. Not only is the environment itself affected, but many animals too. Disposable masks and gloves are becoming a huge source of waste and pollution. The straps of the masks can get caught on birds’ wings and talons and they can be helpless for days until someone comes to their aid. The author of this article recommended “snipping mask straps before throwing them away and using environmentally-friendly masks and face shields whenever possible.” Hundreds of animals had to get rescued because of this. Pre-COVID-19 136,000 animals were affected by plastic entanglement (mostly in oceans). It seems as though this number will increase dramatically, particularly for birds, who are the most at risk since they can easily be caught in masks.
