Encountering wildlife in your backyard is one of the best ways to connect with the natural world and build a deeper appreciation for the many animals we are often lucky to share our space with. As one comes to connect with, and even build relationships with wildlife encountered in the backyard (or at a favorite park, trail, etc.), it can be easy to make deep emotional connections with these wild animals. As these emotional connections develop, it is easy to become emotionally invested in the welfare of the animals one is blessed to encounter. With this emotional investment comes a responsibility on our part to ensure these relationships with wildlife remain respectful, safe and that the long-term health and wellness of these wild friends is maintained!
In recent years, there has been an exponential rise in the popularity of wild animals being kept in homes or fully imprinted on humans on social media platforms. With this rise in the popularity of these wildlife influencers comes the question; ‘Where do we draw the line?’ when it comes to respectful interactions with wild animals. What roles do we, as members of the public, play in the health and welfare of wild animals?
With those questions in mind, let’s jump in and tackle just one aspect of wildlife interaction that often comes up as a topic of conversation: feeding wild animals.
Feeding wild animals can be a contested topic of conversation. Below are some of the more common questions we encounter on a regular basis here at Center for Wildlife. As each question arises, we are going to do what we can to unpack each in a digestible manner (to fully unpack this would take a three volume series, so just keep in mind… this is only the tip of the iceberg)
Q: With such prevalent habitat destruction and a rapidly changing climate, don’t we have a responsibility to provide for wild animals?
A: Yes we do! There is no denying that increased development and the many challenges brought about by a rapidly changing climate have had major impacts on wild animals and we indeed have a responsibility to do something about it!
Here are a few things we can do to provide for wild animals in response to habitat destruction and climate change in a way that maintains a healthy relationship with wildlife, while also helping establish a healthy, sustainable ecosystem in your backyard:
Plant native plants on your property that can provide seeds and fruits on which a variety of animals can forage throughout the year! Ecological landscaping and gardening practices can prove beneficial for both wildlife and human health. Check out this list of Northeast native plants you can plant to provide food for wild animals (which can also be used for medicinal and herbal purposes for humans!). Native plants are often more drought-resistant and can withstand more irregular weather patterns than non-native species.
Certify your backyard as Wildlife Habitat through the National Wildlife Federation. A backyard that provides clean water, shelter and natural food sources is an incredible way you can help increase animal activity in your backyard in a healthy manner.
Encourage wild animals to survive, hunt and forage in a natural environment on your property as opposed to offering free and easy handouts (more on this below).
Q: How are the wild animals in my backyard going to survive the winter when resources are scarce?
A: Don’t forget, the animals you encounter in your backyard have been evolving to survive all of the seasons in their native habitat range for millions of years! Each species has their own unique adaptations and strategies for surviving when resources are slim in the winter season. Encouraging wild animals to develop these important survival strategies is crucial for their survival. If wild animals are continuously fed by humans, they can easily become reliant on this food source, neglecting the importance of caching food or conserving energy to withstand the long winter months in the Northeast.
What may seem like a simple helping hand can quickly create a dependency for wild animals. During the winter, many adult animals teach juveniles where to find sources of sustenance, handing down generational knowledge. If an adult animal is leading their young to your backdoor for food, their young may not be learning where natural sources of food can be acquired in winter. What then happens when you can no longer provide this source of food for those animals?
Check out this article of a Washington woman who had to be rescued by police after 100 raccoons swarmed her home. She had been feeding local raccoons for 35 years.
Q: I love feeding the ducks and geese at my local pond, what’s the worst that can happen?
A: Unfortunately, there are a lot of negative impacts improper food sources can have on wildlife, particularly ducks and geese. One of the most commonly used food items fed to ducks and geese is bread. Bread has little to no nutritional value for waterfowl and can quickly fill up an animal’s stomach, making them unwilling or unable to then forage for the more nutritional, natural foods they would be sourcing from the wild.
A high carb and low nutrient diet in developing waterfowl can cause a condition called “angel wing”. This is a developmental issue (caused by malnutrition) that causes deformation of the wrist joint and primary feathers in waterfowls’ wings. This condition can leave waterfowl without the ability to fly, making them susceptible to predation or leaving them unable to migrate or move when needed.
Q: The squirrels and raccoons in my backyard are very friendly. They come right up to us on the back deck, what could possibly go wrong?
A: Wild animals can carry a variety of diseases even if they are not showing symptoms. These diseases can easily spread to domestic animals or even humans! Wild animals can and will protect themselves if they feel threatened and can even become aggressive over food. A bite delivered by a mammal typically results in that animal being put down (particularly if they are a potential rabies vector species) to be tested. Respecting wild animals from a distance is best for both your own, and that animal’s safety!
Q: I love observing the wild birds in my backyard. Does all of this mean I need to take down my bird feeders?
A: Not necessarily! Backyard bird feeders can be a great way to build a love for the wild birds in your backyard but there are some simple steps you can take to make sure everyone involved is safe, happy and healthy.
Instead of traditional feeders, consider planting native plants! Check out more of these tips from the National Wildlife Federation for more info! Native plants can often attract even more birds than feeders and provide the opportunity to observe birds in a more natural environment. If you are putting up a bird feeder, reduce the availability of food from your feeder in the warmer months (or take it down altogether) to encourage birds to naturally forage and consider only putting up a feeder in winter.
If you are putting up a bird feeder, it is crucial that it is cleaned regularly to reduce the risk of contagious diseases such as finch eye conjunctivitis, amongst many others.
The Takeaways
Wild animals can easily become reliant upon foods provided by humans, negatively impacting their ability to forage for natural food sources on their own.
The best thing you can do for wild animals is provide natural food sources through native plants and a healthy backyard habitat!
The best way to appreciate wildlife is from a distance. Observe animals in a more natural setting by keeping a respectful distance!
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