Top 10 Reasons Not to Feed Wildlife

Reprinted with permission from :

The city recently passed an ordinance that prohibits the feeding of certain wildlife, such as deer, raccoons, turkeys, coyotes, feral cats, foxes, and skunks; and waterfowl, such as ducks, geese, herons, egrets, and swans.

Over the years, the city has responded to many complaints about the damage created by deer, the droppings created by geese and the general havoc created by raccoons. The city has organized the rounding up of geese and the hunting of deer, yet the complaints persist.

So the City Council decided to focus on the common thread: feeding wildlife, or rather, not feeding wildlife.

Here are some compelling reasons to not feed wildlife:

1. People food isn’t good for animals; even “healthy” food is harmful because it alters the animals’ foraging patterns and can cause overpopulation, which can lead to starvation. Feeding the wrong diet to young animals can permanently damage developing muscles, bones, and tissues. Deer, for instance, have unique digestive systems. They must eat enough specific plant proteins to stimulate the growth of vital intestinal bacteria. Human food does not produce these organisms and without them, a deer can starve to death on a full stomach.
2. Animals who learn that people are an easy food source often lose their natural fear of humans. This can be dangerous to humans, pets, and other animals.
3. Migration to human-populated areas to be fed increases the risk of vehicle accidents and property damage.
4. Feeding creates a dangerous dependency on humans that diminishes the animals’ survival abilities.
5. Feeding interferes with the animals’ natural habits and upsets the balance of their lifestyle.
6. Most wildlife need to migrate a large distance to be in good physical condition. If they know food is available in a particular location, they will remain in that area.
7. Providing an artificial food source causes adults to produce large families which the natural food supply cannot support.
8. Unnatural crowding and competition may result when wildlife gather for food handouts. Such unnatural conditions increase the incidence for fighting and injury, attract unwanted rodents, and may increase the spread of diseases, some of which may be transmitted to humans and pets.
9. Wildlife will no longer be wild!
10. Feeding wildlife in Oakdale is prohibited.

Backyard feeding of wildlife gives us the feeling of intimacy with nature and helping animals survive, but it is not always best for the animals. Thank you for not feeding the wildlife.

What about birdfeeders? Birdfeeders, containing birdseed, must be at least 5 feet above the ground, shoreline or structure.

Questions? Please call 651-730-5204.