11/10/2026
Plastic six-pack rings can become deadly traps for squirrels, opossums, birds, and other animals.
The danger extends beyond oceans to backyards, parks, roadsides, and woods.
An animal can slip its head or leg through an intact loop.
If it cannot escape, the plastic may cut into its skin, restrict movement, or prevent feeding.
For young animals, the injuries can worsen as they grow while the ring remains the same size.
Squirrels, hedgehogs, and cats have all been found entangled in these rings.
In Texas, rescuers treated an opossum with six-pack plastic embedded around its neck and leg.
Birds and turtles face dangers, and some animals never escape.
Fortunately, preventing this hazard requires only seconds.
Before discarding plastic beverage holders, snip through every ring, including smaller connecting loops.
Place the pieces in a secured trash bin.
A few cuts can prevent a piece of litter from inflicting lifelong injuries on an animal.
