When Not to Feed Wildlife, And Why
Common Mistakes Made When Trying to Help Wild Animals
Aug 4, 2008
Perhaps the biggest mistake people make when feeding wildlife is to give them inappropriate foods, causing illness or even death. Problems also occur when wild animals congregate to feed and then they become used to an artificial food supply. Habituated animals are more likely to cause damage and even injure humans.
Feeding Wildlife Can Cause Disease and Illness
Most wildlife species do not congregate in large groups to feed. By providing a steady source of easy access food, people create a situation where too many wild animals come into contact with each other. This increases the chance of an outbreak of infection.
Poor hygiene in feeding areas is another problem. If moldy feed is not cleaned up and disposed of, wild animals will eat it and become ill.
Feeding human junk food can seriously disturb wild animals’ digestive systems, causing them to become seriously ill. Even something as healthy as cow’s milk can be bad for other species as it is not easily digested and can cause diarrhea or blockages, depending on the species drinking it.
Habituating Wild Animals to People is Dangerous For Both
Habituated wild animals, ones that have lost their normal wariness around humans, are more likely to be killed by cars, dogs and cats. Especially in suburban areas where not everyone wants wildlife close by, wild animals may be considered a nuisance, resulting in their being trapped and relocated (often to a marginal habitat) or, worse yet, being killed.
Bears, raccoons, foxes and coyotes are considered to be nuisance species by many people. They quickly learn that some of the smells of their favorite junk foods emanate from garbage cans or inside houses, and just as quickly begin getting into trash bins and homes, causing damage. A habituated wild animal is also more likely to attack humans and pets if it feels threatened.
Wildlife Feeding Tips
For those who cannot resist feeding wildlife, here are some do's and don’t's to ensure that the animals are not harmed by the supplemental feeding.
- Keep all feeding equipment clean by scrubbing at least monthly (preferably more often) with hot soapy water. Soaking in bleach for 10 minutes after washing is even better.
- Clean the feeding area regularly. This means rake or shovel old food and dispose of it so animals are not tempted to eat rotten and moldy food.
- Feed only appropriate foods such as fresh seeds and nuts for birds and squirrels. Provide natural local green plants as well.
- Avoid milk and leftover bread as both spoil easily and have questionable nutritional value.
- Feed in sheltered areas so wild animals do not come too far out into the open where they are exposed to bad weather and predators.
Better Alternatives For Helping Wildlife
Improving habitat is the best way to help wild animals. They will be drawn to the property by natural food sources and safe havens, but not in numbers that will increase disease risk.
Leave parts of your property to grow wild local plants, especially those that flower and/or produce fruits and seeds. By not using fertilizers and weed killers the insect population will increase, providing high quality natural proteins, which are important for all wildlife, especially young growing animals in the spring.
By providing a natural environment, wildlife will be able to feed safely on appropriate foods and be viewed without harming them.
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