10/25/2025
AN IMPORTANT REMINDER FROM THE PENNSYLVANIA GAME COMMISSION
As you deck out your porch or yard this fall, remember — you’re sharing your neighborhood with more than just humans. 🐿️
Here are a few ways to make your spooky setup shine without putting Pennsylvania’s wildlife at risk:
🎃 Skip the chemical pumpkin washes. They won’t stop decay — they’ll just make your pumpkin toxic. Let nature take its course and enjoy the natural rot of the season.
🎃 If painting instead of carving, choose non-toxic or natural paints so your pumpkins stay critter-safe if nibbled. Or, keep your painted masterpieces indoors and dispose of them properly later.
🎃 When it’s time to switch from spooky to harvest décor, consider composting your pumpkins or donating them (if chemical-free) to farms, shelters, or zoos that use them as tasty treats.
🕸 Ditch the faux “spider webs” outside — real animals like birds, bats, and squirrels can get tangled in them, leading to serious injuries or even death.
Thanks for helping keep Pennsylvania’s wild neighbors safe and happy this Halloween season.
Have a frightfully fun and wildlife-friendly Halloween! 👻
Pennsylvania Game Commission
