Feeding Native Wildlife: Responsible Kindness

Offer Natural Foods

No Direct Feeding

Private Property

Public Property

Protect Against Conflict

Keep It Clean

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.

So, what to do?

It’s important to be kind to all animals, but to do so responsibly. When it comes to wildlife, NHES believes people should fulfill the role of humane steward to ensure wild animals can continue to live whenever possible as nature has intended. So, if you are like many of us and would like to offer the wild neighbors a little food, here are a few tips to ensure your kindness is not causing harm:

Offer natural foods in moderation                                                               Back to Top

Offer foods that are a natural part of the animal’s wild diet—in other words no processed foods (not even popcorn, which often has preservatives added) and be sparse with fruits, veggies, seeds, and nuts that do not comprise the animal’s natural diet. Not sure? Research what foods are suitable for the wildlife local to your area and use only those.

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.

Do not feed wildlife directly                                                                        Back to Top

When offering food (not planted in your yard) 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.

Keep it to private property (personal or business)

When done responsibly and with moderation, animals benefitting from a little “free” food will likely not come to expect food from property neighbors or passerby 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 in public areas                                                            Back to Top

NHES discourages feeding wildlife on public property (and wild lands of course). 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. Unfortunately, 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, contribute to unhealthy populations, and harm the larger ecological balance.

Protect against unwanted conflicts                                                             Back to Top

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 or to set up residence.

Keep the property clean

Don’t want curious animals making a big mess? Remember not to leave loose garbage lying around and be sure to secure your trash cans. This saves you the trouble of a sleepless night for the third evening in a row, and more importantly, it protects wildlife against the imminent dangers that come with exploring and consuming human garbage.

And of course, don’t litter!

March 2010                                                                                                  Back to Top

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