You can help prevent the needless deaths of birds and other wildlife. 

These dangers are all around!

Uncovered vertical pipes are dangerous to birds and other wildlife. While looking for a place to nest or hibernate, animals can fall into an open pipe and become trapped. Unable to escape, they eventually die. 

Cavity-nesting birds are especially vulnerable to this threat. Species commonly trapped include bluebird, flycatchers, woodpeckers, sparrows, shrikes, kestrels, and even owls. In addition to birds, lizards, snakes, small mammals and insects have also been found inside pipes.

Have you seen these “Death Pipes”?

Often called “Death Pipes”, vertical, open pipes are a hazard on the landscape and can cause the gruesome death of birds and other wildlife that become trapped and perish within. These pipes are often used as fence posts or to anchor a gate. They can also be used as sign posts, to mark a boundary, or a mining claim. Vent and irrigation pipes are also a danger if uncovered. 

Cover those Pipes!

If you find open, vertical pipes on your property, cover them to prevent trapping birds, lizards and other animals. Here are several ways that you can eliminate this threat:

• Buy and install a pipe cap. We recommend metal fence caps that can be purchased at hardware stores or online. Plastic caps break down fast in our climate.
• Cover the top with cement to create a cap. Stuff the top of the pipe tightly with cardboard then top it with a layer of cement, ensuring to cover the lip of the pipe.
• If you need water or air flow, cover the opening with screen or 1/2 inch hardware cloth and secure with a pipe clamp. Specialty screens available online for purchase.

Find the complete guidance document for homeowners and agency staff here: Death Pipes Best Management Practices.

Report Open Pipes

• Tucson Bird Alliance is actively addressing the issue of open vertical pipes throughout Southeast Arizona. We encourage landowners and land managers to inspect their properties for these hazards and take steps to seal them using the recommended methods. If open pipes are found on public lands, they can be reported through our online form. 

• If you encounter open-top pipes outside of Southeast Arizona, notify the appropriate land manager about the risks these structures pose to wildlife. Many landowners and managers are unaware of “death pipes” and are often receptive to learning about the issue and how to address it. You can find Death Pipe management guidance here.

• Report the open pipe in computer browser
• Open the form in Survey123 phone app. You can even download the form for offline use and always be ready to report!

Thank you! This project launched thanks to the generous support from Arizona Sportsmen for Wildlife Conservation.

By purchasing this license plate for your vehicle, a portion of the proceeds go to fund on-the-ground conservation projects in Arizona.

Eastern Azure Bluebird image by Lois Manowitz