Cell Towers
Cell tower lighting and designs can prove deadly to bird and bat populations. Tower lights may attract migrating birds. Invisible support wires can create collision hazards.
What can be done to reduce cell tower injuries and death for birds?
- Cell tower designs should be required to minimize harm to birds. Designs that do not rely on dangerous support wires are preferential. See bird-friendly tower construction guidelines from the USFW:
- Features that can create avoidance by birds should be incorporated into cell tower construction.
- Cell tower placement should avoid areas that are critical migratory routes.
- New technology is in the works that may be safer for birds: The lightRadio cube may eliminate the need for cell towers altogether.