We suspect more than a handful of Upper Peninsula residents and people everywhere are in the process of laying in a supply of very noisy fireworks to help commemorate the extended Fourth of July holiday weekend.

And why not? Michigan law, changed a few years back, opened the door — with some reasonable limits — to the retail purchase of commercial grade fireworks.

Put another way, it isn’t just bottle rockets and sparklers anymore.

All of that said, we have a hard time believing that reasonable people are not aware that setting off loud fireworks can profoundly frighten animals, principally dogs and cats but other critters, too.

According to Humane World for Animals, formerly the Humane Society of the United States, many animals become so frightened by the noise and commotion of fireworks that they run from otherwise familiar environments and people, and sadly become lost. They may also suffer devastating or even fatal health effects from the stress.

The sudden bright flashes and sounds can cause wild animals to run into roadways, resulting in more car accidents than normal. Predatory birds, such as bald eagles, see the harsh sounds and lights from fireworks as a threat and may abandon their nests or habitats entirely.

Here are a handful of commonsense suggestions about fireworks and animals from the humane organization —

— Keep pets safely away from fireworks. Pets are more sensitive to loud noises, flashing lights and strong smells. On the Fourth of July, and other days people are likely to set off fireworks, it’s best to leave pets indoors, preferably with a radio or TV turned on to soften jarring noises.

— If a pet is frightened by fireworks, ask a veterinarian for help. Medications and techniques that might help alleviate the pet’s fear and anxiety.

— Protect pets from heat stroke during summer festivities. It’s another reason to keep pets away from the often-noisy celebrations of summer. High temperatures put pets at risk of heat stroke, which can become deadly very quickly. Keep an eye on pets and act immediately if any signs of heat stress are detected.

— Safeguard pets with a collar and ID tag. All pets, even those kept indoors full-time, should always wear collars with ID tags. Indoor-only pets can become so frightened during fireworks displays they may take desperate measures to escape the noise, including breaking through windows or door screens.

— Encourage celebrations that use safer, more animal-friendly alternatives. Consider working with local officials to require the use of colorful “silent” or “quiet” fireworks for public celebrations. Laser shows can be evocative of fireworks while being far less damaging to wildlife and polluting to the environment.

Of course, when stopping time arrives and the beer is flowing, a great many people continue shooting fireworks off. That’s illegal and the police tell us they will issue citations if they catch people doing it.

Use your head and consider the pup or kitty next door or down the block. They’re not having any fun. They’re terrified.

— The Mining Journal, Marquette