FEEDING WILDLIFE

Are you feeding wildlife? You may be doing more harm than good.

People who feed wildlife usually do so with the best intentions. However, feeding wild animals almost always results in negative consequences for both humans and wildlife involved.

What are the consequences of feeding wildlife?

Threats to wildlife

• Animals can become dependent on artificial food sources.

• Animals can lose their natural fear of humans and pets, becoming more prone to conflict.

• Artificial feed is not healthy for wildlife.

• Wildlife can congregate in unnaturally high densities at feeders. This spreads parasites and disease and can cause destruction of natural habitat.

• Feeding animals near roads increases their risk of being hit by vehicles.

Threats to people

• Feeding wildlife may attract “unwanted” animals to your property.

• Animals will learn to associate humans with food, and can become a problem to neighbours.

• Habituated animals can become aggressive.

• Feeding animals near roads increases the risk of motor vehicle accidents, resulting in property damage, injury or death.

For these reasons we ask that you do not feed wildlife.

Thank you for your co-operation.