You might have noticed that winter is upon us.
With the snow and ice here to stay until spring, many people will commence dropping off food for the wintering wildlife in the area’s many woodlands, including Presque Isle State Park. Numerous problems arise when we feed wildlife. Most people do this to provide easy food, to draw animals in to observe them and to increase the number of game animals in the area. However, feeding wildlife interferes with the natural, healthy balance between wildlife populations and their habitat.
This is why feeding wildlife does more harm than good:
- It is a threat to human and animal safety. As wild animals are fed, they become used to the presence of people. Some animals, like black bears and coyotes, can become a potential threat and can harm both humans and pets.
- An overabundance of wildlife damages natural habitats. For example, too many deer in an area will damage native forests. Raccoons may raid garbage cans, pet food containers and dishes.
- Wild animals have specialized diets; they can become malnourished or die if fed the wrong food. For example, deer digestive systems can change in winter. So to some deer, eating corn may cause difficulties.
- Feeding may lead to public health concerns. For example, deer feeding in one area can increase the chance of passing diseases to people and other animals.
- If animals feel comfortable with people, they might lose their fear of humans and become aggressive.
- Wild animals fed along roads tend to stay near where they are fed, causing severe accidents.
- Large concentrations of geese and ducks can add to pollution near waterways. Some waterfowl species can drop up to a pound of feces a day.
- When wildlife becomes dependent on handouts, it changes their natural behaviors, like foraging in woodlands. If humans become absent, the animals can starve. In the case of some migratory birds, they may not migrate at their usual time, or disappear altogether.
- Depending on the kind of animal you might be feeding, it could turn into a severe problem. Smaller animals, like raccoons, squirrels, chipmunks and rabbits, might like you to feed them, so they decide to move right in. That can be in the garage, shed or even your house.
- It can lead to animal and human interactions. Over time, this can become a severe problem. What you thought was a simple helping hand could quickly become less than pleasant. You invite them to be close by and within your close space by feeding them. Doing this will make you close “friends,” which can turn into a few run-ins with them. Over time, you will find that any wild animal can become dangerous and interacting with them closely invites problems.
If you are feeding wild animals, please stop! It does not help them. Walking quietly and slowly works best for seeing and looking for wildlife on Presque Isle.
See you on the park!
Gene Ware is the author of 10 books. He serves on the board of the Presque Isle Light Station and is past chairman of the boards of the Tom Ridge Center Foundation and the Presque Isle Partnership. Email him at ware906@gmail.com.
