#1
Police from Kent, Wash., are warning locals not to pick up tennis balls that are lying around. According to CBS News, individuals like to try to make homemade fireworks.
#2
People may take the insides of existing fireworks and place them inside balls or pipes. If the "firework" doesn't go off as planned, people don't always pick up the dud. This is what becomes the "tennis ball bomb."
#3
The Kent Police Department states, "A tennis ball bomb is very easy to identify. It is a real tennis ball that has some sort of fuse sticking out of it. The tennis ball could also be completely wrapped in duct tape with a fuse sticking out." CBS News tells dog owners and individuals that rather than touch a suspected tennis ball bomb, simply call 911. Just because the "bomb" didn't go off as originally planned, doesn't mean that the explosives aren't still volatile.
#4
A dog in Portland had a tennis ball explode in his mouth back in 2000 and had to be put down because of it. Rather than take a risk, let the authorities know if something seems suspicious.
#5
The danger un-exploded tennis ball bombs pose is real and lethal, they can go off and explode at any time. Unsuspecting people could fall victim to the bombs and lose fingers or a hand and pets, especially dogs, could die.
"Tennis ball bombs" pose a risk to both humans and animals, so play it safe this weekend as you celebrate the independence of your country.
