Plastic Bags & Their Effects on Animals

Sea turtles mistake plasitic bags for jellyfish.

To humans, plastic bags are convenient and inexpensive containers. But for many species of mammals, reptiles and birds--who may mistake a plastic bag for a quick snack and attempt to ingest it--they can be deadly.

Causes of Animal Deaths

Small animals or birds may go into plastic bags containing food and suffocate as a result. Some birds, and especially sea turtles, may mistake plastic bags for jellyfish and try to eat them.

Danger to Pets

Pets like dogs and cats may also eat plastic bags. Since plastic is indigestible, the bags may block the digestive tract.

Lack of Scientific Evidence

Although many websites and news articles state that 100,000 animals are killed by plastic bags every year, the United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), along with the London Times, report that there is no scientific study to back up that claim.

Plastic Bags vs. Fishing Equipment

Although some environmentalists have campaigned to ban plastic bags, the NOAA found that plastic bags kill far fewer sea birds and marine life than discarded fishing equipment.

Plastic Bag Bans

Plastic bags have been banned in some areas, such as Los Angeles, California, but it remains to be seen if this will reduce animal deaths.

References

• TimesOnline.co.uk: Series of Blunders Turned Plastic Bag into Global Villain
• CatChannel.com: The Cat Ate What?!
• NOAA: Marine Debris FAQ

Resources

• YouTube: Sea Turtle Eating Plastic Bag Remnants
• Huffington Post: LA Plastic Bag Ban: Disposable Bags Outlawed By 2010
• "Bird Conservation..."; Seabird and Waterbird Bycatch in Fishing Gear; Manville II, Albert M.; 2005