This episode is all about the effects of human-made noise on wildlife. As we approach the 4th of July and the sound of fireworks fills the air across America, it’s a good time to stop and think about the impact our noise has—not just on our neighbors, but on the wildlife that shares our world.

We often don’t realize just how disruptive human-made sounds can be. Fireworks, traffic, construction, leaf blowers, loud music—these may seem like part of everyday life to us, but to animals, they can be deeply distressing, even dangerous. These sounds interfere with their ability to find food, avoid predators, communicate, and raise their young.

From birds abandoning their nests to deer stampeding in panic, to pets trembling under beds—the effects are real and often heartbreaking.

But here’s the good news: unlike some environmental problems that seem out of our control, noise is something we can manage. We can choose when and how we make sound. We can advocate for quieter spaces, for wildlife-friendly policies, and we can be more aware of the timing and volume of our own activities.

So, as the fireworks begin this week, I invite you to reflect on the power of quiet—and the role each of us can play in giving nature a break from the noise.   [email protected] - for comments or suggestions.