They have to eventually end up somewhere, and when they do, wildlife dies.

As that group of helium filled balloons gently float away from your grasp for all to see, Maine sea creatures and wildlife are out there waiting to consume them.

A video posted to Twitter this week by Maine lobster fisherman Steve Train shows him coming across a group of balloons floating in the water.  In the video,Train uses a hook to grab the balloons and bring them aboard the fishing vessel Hattie Rose. Judging by the comments to the post, apparently this happens often.

Mr. Train tells us via Twitter that May and June are "the worst months" for finding balloons off the coast of Maine.  Of course those are the months that people get married and graduate from school. Another boat captain responded, "Agreed we get a bunch of Mylar ones offshore... those things last forever."

A woodsman named Tom said, "You wouldn’t believe how many I find in my woods."  While another named Jeremy responded, "I find them all over the woods too."

Many people were appreciative that Mr. Train stopped to pick up the discarded rubbish.

Animals on land and sea creatures in the water will eat balloons thinking that they are food.  When a balloon blocks their digestive track, the animal will starve and then die.  Balloons can also become entangled around a land or sea animal, making it unable to move freely or possibly eat.

Plus, it's against the law to release balloons here in Maine.

In 2019, the 129th Maine Legislature passed An Act Regarding the Outdoor Release or Abandonment of Balloons.  Releasing 10 or less balloons could get you up to a $500 fine.  Release 10 or more and you could be fined up to $1000.

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