Should You Feed Wildlife Animals?

Should you feed wildlife animals? The answer may surprise you...

Check out our video version by clicking HERE.

 

Should you feed wildlife animals?


In most cases, the answer is "no." There are exceptions, such as safe food for raccoons & birds in your backyard. Feeding animals can hurt them, negatively condition them, and cause consequences for both humans AND the animals being fed. Here are four reasons you should NOT feed wildlife animals, and in the end we will go over some exceptions if you still want to.

Reason #1: Animals losing caution of humans


When an animal begins losing their caution around humans, they may walk around carelessly in car-filled cities. Wildlife animals could get hit by a car, or they may naturally dig holes, causing property damage.

Wildlife animals may  also begin to approach humans and be a bit persistent, following humans around. This can be annoying to the human, and the animals may get hurt by going somewhere they shouldn't (ie. a construction site).

Reason #2: Human food is bad for animals


Angel Wing is a deformity found in ducks, goose, and other animals found at public parks with lakes. Crackers, cereal, and white bread is simply not meant for wildlife animals, and feeding them this food will not be good for their health in the long-term. It can make them sick and reduce their energy levels potentially preventing them from naturally sourcing their food in the future.

If you do want to feed wildlife animals at a park or in your backyard, make sure you first research foods that are SAFE for the animals to eat. Unsafe foods for the wildlife animals is a disservice to nature in the long term!

Reason #3: Causes aggression between animals


If you've ever been at a beach and fed one bird, you'll know that you have to feed them all. When one animal sees a human feeding their species, it will naturally want free, easy food as well! Not long after feeding one bird, several birds will show up and they may begin getting aggressive with each other for your food.

This could hurt nearby property, the animals themselves, and even you if the animals are super hungry.

Reason #4: Negative conditioning


Wildlife animals are supposed to source their own food (hunting, eating plants, etc.). When humans give animals food, they begin becoming conditioned to getting food from humans. It's easier and quicker, so wildlife animals may begin pestering humans for food knowing its easier to get a quick bite.

This causes wildlife animals to become aggressive and forceful to humans when they have food. If you've ever had food at a beach with a lot of birds, you'll know that you have to be very careful in protecting your food. When wildlife animals then go back into the wild or humans simply stop feeding them, their ability to hunt and source food isn't as good as it used to be, so they may be more likely to starve.

The long-term effects of feeding wildlife animals


Feeding wildlife animals helps them in the short term but really hurts them in the long term. The effects can also hurt humans when animals won't stop pestering them, and even property as animals dive deeper into cities in search of human food. Wildlife animals are NOT supposed to receive food from humans, and the long-term effects will hurt the animal more than helping them. Show some tough love to these animals and don't feed them- you're helping them in the long run.

The exceptions to feeding wildlife animals


There are a few exceptions to all of this- animals at local ponds and birds/squirrels in your back yard. If you want to feed these animals, please make sure you are feeding them food that is SAFE, healthy, and environmentally friendly. Do NOT feed these animals human food, and don't give them too much- a few bites should be enough for them so they still have to find food in the wild.

 

Thanks for reading and we hope you enjoyed this post!

-Wildlife X Team International

Submit a Comment

* Required Field
Offering
  • Pest X Team Logo
  • Junk X Team Logo
  • X Team Services Logo
  • X Team Bird Control Logo
  • Gutter X Team Logo
  • Mosquito X Team Logo
As Featured on These Networks & Affiliates
  • Apple News Logo
  • Fox Logo
Affiliations:
  • Elite Service Logo
  • National Pest Management Association Logo
  • NWCOA Logo
  • If you have raccoons in your attic, garage, or other areas of your home, call Wildlife X Team® at (817) 431-3007 today! Wildlife X Team are experts in raccoon removal and exclusion services.
  • Squirrel problems are rampant nationally. Squirrels can cause extensive damage in and around homes, including soiling floors and walls. Squirrels don't stand a chance against Wildlife X Team®'s trained professional staff.
  • Rodent problems are common for homeowners, but Wildlife X Team® can help you prevent rodents from getting in your walls or your attic. Keep rodents out of your home by calling today!
  • Removing and relocating bats is best left to professionals, as bats will bite and scratch if threatened. If you see signs of bats on your property or want to know how to get rid of bats from your attic and chimney, please call Wildlife X Team® at (817) 431-3007.
  • Although armadillos have no reason to get into houses, there is a lot of damage armadillos can cause. Their diet consists mostly of grubs and insects, but when they burrow, it can affect the very structure of buildings. Call Wildlife X Team® today!
  • Whether you are facing a snake infestation on your property or just notice a single snake, call (817) 431-3007 at Wildlife X Team® today. Most snakes are harmless, some are venomous, and we can remove all kinds of snakes safely and quickly.
  • Birds can add a lot of enjoyment to the outdoor experience, but sometimes they cause trouble. If you're having an issue with problem birds like pigeons, starlings, or sparrows, give Wildlife X Team® a call at (817) 431-3007.
  • At Wildlife X Team®, we offer worry-free opossum removal and trapping. We can also repair any opossum damage.
  • Infamous for their defense mechanism, skunks are smelly creatures. This unique critter releases a scent to ward off predators and stay safe, and it smells offensive and can be dangerous.
  • Coyotes, a relative of the canine, are known for terrorizing livestock, and even household pets. Coyotes are often active at night, and homeowners often report the howling cries of these medium-sized creatures.
  • Badgers are notorious for having a bite that rivals their bark — despite their less-than-formidable size! Badgers have been known to fight animals as large as a bear!
  • Beaver damage is primarily to landscapes like riverbeds and lakesides. If you discover beaver damage in your property, call Wildlife X Team® at (817) 431-3007 to help relocate beavers and repair any damages caused by these flat-tailed critters.
  • Nocturnal creatures, bobcats will take down any prey necessary, especially livestock. Bobcats are territorial and will often return to the property they have claimed as their own, especially if there is a steady food source.
  • Chipmunks can be annoying and clever creatures, but they're no match for Wildlife X Team®. We offer chipmunk removal, and chipmunk damage repair services, plus we know how to keep chipmunks from coming back!
  • Fox landscape damage and feeding behaviors can affect homeowners' safety, so it's important to not approach a fox if you see one in the wild or on your property. Wildlife X Team® offers fox removal, fox trapping, and fox prevention. Call today!
  • Lizards, similar in appearance to snakes, can be frightening if you spot one in the wild or in your home, and although they don't typically attack residents, it's still good to not approach lizards.
  • Mole damage is most commonly found on landscapes, and sometimes humans don't even come into contact with them, but they definitely experience mole damage.
  • If you have discovered scorpion(s) in your garden or on your property, call us today for scorpion removal services.
  • Voles are not often spotted by humans, but vole damage is visible. For vole trapping, vole removal, and vole damage repair services, call Wildlife X Team® today!
  • Infestations of bugs are common, so if you are facing an insect infestation, don't panic—we can help kill insects and get rid of them inside and outside your home.
  • Wild hog trapping and wild hog prevention are the most effective means of wild hog removal. Due to the aggressive nature of wild hogs, we do not recommend DIY wild hog trapping.
  • Termite infestations are common inside homes and on properties, so if you are dealing with insects, call Wildlife X Team® at (817) 431-3007 today to get rid of your termite problem fast and effectively!
  • Bee and wasp infestations are common, so if you are facing a stinging insect infestation, don't panic — we can help get rid of them inside and outside your home.
About
Wildlife X Team is rapidly becoming the leader in the nuisance wildlife control industry. We lead the way in the development of technology, education, products and services in Wildlife Management.
Read More About Us
100% Financing
SuperMoney offers 100% financing up to $100,000 and 30 second approvals. You'll fill out one easy form and get competing pre-approved loan offers back in real time.
Apply Now
Wildlife X Team offers an exclusive Wildlife Inspection Report® which includes commonly overlooked areas where wildlife can enter and infest your home.
Project: Repair or Partially Replace Wood or Fiber-Cement Siding
They were quick and efficient. They were also in constant communication with me. I would work with again.
Blair H., Krum, Texas