Nature's Edge - Don't Feed the Animals - February 2008

Did you know that it is against the law to feed wildlife such as deer or to have a feeding station on your property? The law states:

It shall be illegal to make available food, salt, mineral blocks, or other products for ingestion by wild deer or other wildlife in areas where wild deer are present. Exempted from this Section are the following: a) elevated bird/squirrel feeders providing seed, grain, fruit, worms or suet for birds or squirrels located within 100 feet of a dwelling devoted to human occupancy;

Some people in the Village believe they are providing a valuable service to wildlife by providing food for them. Some just want to see wildlife in their yard so they put out food to attract them. This is dangerous for the wildlife and could be dangerous for you.

1. Chronic Wasting Disease is a deadly disease spread by blood and saliva. It is similar to Mad Cow Disease in cattle. It is a neurological disease that produces lesions in the brains of infected animals causing them to behave erratically, makes them lethargic and eventually kills them. Areas where animals share food is a perfect breeding ground for this disease and is certainly not something you want to create. Like Mad Cow Disease, this disease has not been determined to affect humans but the research is not conclusive.
2. Feeding stations attract a variety of wildlife. Over the past year, there have been a number of issues related to coyotes. Pets have been killed and people have called about aggressive coyote behavior. These animals eat just about anything. They will come to feeding stations and eat whatever is present – this would include bird feeders if they are not secured and elevated. As a result they begin to claim territory and will act in a dominant manner to protect and defend their territory from other animals who may wish to venture in. This would include family pets.
3. Wildlife needs to forage for their food – it is their nature. It also keeps them independent. When you place a feeding station they will come to the easiest food source and not forage. It makes them dependent upon you and they lose their ability to forage on their own. What happens to these animals when you are not stocking the feeding station? What if you move, go on vacation, etc.
4. Often feeding stations are located in areas where they are easily visible (efforts by homeowners to see wildlife in their yards). This is true for animals too. If you are drawing wildlife to a common area, where they come regularly, predators will pick up on that too. Unwittingly you are providing a bait station for other wildlife where they can be attacked and eaten right on your property – that is probably not what you were expecting to view.

Wild animals are just that wild animals. They are not our pets. We must respect their nature and try not to adversely impact their lives. If you have a feeding station on your property you must remove it immediately. If you know of a neighbor who has a feeding station, speak to them and tell them they are required to remove it. If they do not, contact the Village. Anyone with a prohibited feeding station is in violation of the law and subject to a fine.