Stop Feeding Wild Animals: Twin Cities Suburb Passes Ban

BLAINE, MN — Don't feed the wild animals. In an effort to slow the progression of an increasing wildlife population in a city "with ever declining suitable wildlife habitat," Blaine has passed an ordinance prohibiting the feeding of wild and feral animals. Effective April 2017, "no person shall feed or allow the feeding of animals that live in the wild or animals that are feral (i.e. cats)."

"We are requesting help in addressing these wildlife issues, and we are seeking voluntary compliance," the city said in a statement. "If you have questions about the ordinance or need assistance in determining where to place your bird feeders, please contact a Community Service Officer."

"The public's understanding of these wildlife issues will help us solve this problem. However, ongoing violations may result in a citation."

The ordinance reads as follows:

14-228 Intentional Feeding of Wild Animals

Subd. 1 Feeding Prohibited. No person shall feed wild or feral animals or small mammals within the City. Intentional feeding shall mean the provision of any grain, fruit, vegetables, nuts, salt licks, or any other food that attracts wild animals. Living food sources such as trees and other live vegetation shall not be considered food for wild animals.

Subd. 2 Feeding Wild Birds. Bird feed may be placed in bird feeding devices and structures solely for the purpose of attracting and feeding wild birds. Bird feeding devices and structures should be placed at a sufficient height or designed to prevent access by wild animals.

Subd. 3 Exception. This shall not apply to the employees or agents of the City, County, State, and the Federal government or veterinarians who in the course of their official duties have wild animals in their custody or under their management.

Noble intentions; deadly results

It's not uncommon for wintering deer to eat themselves to death despite having reserves of fat, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Supplemental feeding can result in enterotaxaemia, a fatal disease commonly called grain overload.

While providing piles of corn, hay or other feed can be a feel good act, it often results in bad consequences: disease, auto accidents, habitat loss and animal behavior changes.

Image via Congaree National Park, Flickr, used under Creative Commons