Do Not Feed the Animals

When I came home the other day, I noticed that one of the potted plants on my balcony was in disarray. The plant was uprooted, and dirt was strewn about.

I went outside to replant it, and as I moved the dirt back into the planter, I saw something else in the dirt. I picked it up and immediately laughed—it was one of the unshelled peanuts that my neighbor throws to the squirrels. One of the critters must have dug a hole in my plant to hide his little treasure.

While I love watching the wildlife in my backyard and all around Algonquin, I cringe a little every time I see someone feeding wild animals.

If birds and squirrels come to depend on humans for food, they may never develop important hunting and foraging skills. Plus, many of these animals lose their fear of people, which may be fun for those of us who like to feed ducks from our hands, but this leaves them vulnerable to people who may not be so kind.

Finally, the common foods we throw to wild animals, like bread, popcorn, and (in my neighbor’s case) peanuts, do not provide animals with the proper nutrition. You also risk getting bitten by overzealous or irritated critters.

However, I realize that some people love feeding the Algonquin ducks and squirrels too much to just stop altogether. The Progressive Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) suggests “naturescaping,” or planting native plants and installing landscaping items that provide natural food and shelter for our neighborhood critters.

The Algonquin Public Library recently held a on how to create an eco-garden, and resources abound online.

By offering wild animals luscious plants, trees and flowers, you are both providing them food and keeping yourself safely removed from their natural behavior. If you must feed the animals, opt for seed mixtures specially designed for wildlife. Many types of foods will actually harm animals, so think before you toss. For example, you should never feed salted nuts to a squirrel (the salt can make them very sick).

I replanted my plant, and so far it has been left untouched. But when I see the squirrels playfully chirping and running around my balcony, I know they are getting ready to strike once again.