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Feeding Native Wildlife Offer Natural Foods Back to Top Feeding native wildlife can be a source of joy and connection with the natural world; it is also a great way to foster humane and responsible stewardship toward wild animals among children. However, it is equally important to ensure that any feeding and other forms of interaction with wildlife are done in a way that best meets the animal’s well-being as a wild creature and not just to satisfy our own desire to commune with nature. Offer foods that are a natural part of the animal’s wild diet—in other words, no processed foods. Be sparse with fruits, veggies, seeds, and nuts that do not comprise the animal’s natural diet. If you are not sure what is natural for wildlife in your area, do some research—your county extension office or local wildlife office might be of help. Also, make sure any food provided is always in small amounts that constitute a supplement to and not the sole source of a wild animal’s diet. This will help avoid creating dependence on unnatural food sources that may lead to problems for both the animals and you. A great option to ensure natural foods are offered in moderation (and that are in balance with local habitats) is to research native plant food sources and then grow them in your yard. For example, plant berry bushes native to your area that birds and mammals alike can enjoy. How to Feed Wildlife Back to Top When offering food, always put the food in a feeder of some variety, preferably of some natural composition. Do not toss, nudge, or hand food directly to wildlife. Direct feeding may “imprint” or semi-domesticate wildlife and cause myriad problems for both the animals and you. Encourage wildlife to stay away from valued buildings and yard areas and to stay wild by setting feeding stations, if possible, at a distance from heavily trafficked areas. When done responsibly and with moderation, animals benefiting from a little free food will likely not come to expect food from a particular location and, thus, will not become a nuisance. Use discretion in deciding where to place feeders so that animals using them do not pose a nuisance to neighbors. Do not feed wildlife on public property. Lack of moderation and irresponsible approach to feeding wildlife in public areas, such as city parks or promenades, is often a big problem. One aspect is that much of the food is given directly from the human to the animal as opposed to coming out of a feeder. As result, many wild animals begin to associate all humans with food and eventually become a nuisance. The repercussions are many. This sort of feeding can also disrupt other innate behaviors, such as migration; contribute to unhealthy populations; and harm the larger ecological balance. Physically secure your business, house, garden, and other private property that you do not want wildlife sharing. There are many simple and affordable ways you can reinforce buildings and yard property against smart wildlife while still making the yard (or patio or window sill) a welcoming place for them to enjoy a few bits of food. If you do not want curious animals making a big mess, remember not to leave loose garbage lying around and be sure to secure your trash cans. These actions protect wildlife against the imminent dangers that come with exploring and consuming human garbage. And of course, do not litter. Take Action to Treat Wildlife Properly Back to Top What can you do to see that wildlife are given proper snacks around your property? First, make sure you are doing more good than harm when you decide to set up feeding stations around your property for wildlife. Other humane actions include:
March 2010 |