As we enter the spring season, more young wild animals and birds will start to emerge. While feeding wildlife can be a heart-warming experience that brings joy to many, it can sometimes have unintended consequences for our wildlife.
Feeding wildlife can be a valuable educational tool, teaching children to appreciate nature's beauty. However, it is essential to also instil respect for these animals in their natural wild state to prevent conflicts and avoid domestication.
WRAS is not against feeding, but the focus should be on feeding wildlife in a responsible manner that safeguards the local wildlife population.
Feeding wildlife close to our homes can lead animals and birds to associate buildings with a food source. This can result in unintended consequences, like animals entering homes or businesses in search of food. Such situations can lead to pest control measures or even harm inflicted by residents protecting their property.
Hand feeding wildlife and encouraging wildlife inside your home to feed is wrong. At WRAS we have seen the horrific consequences of animals which have been attacked as they trusted the wrong human or entered the wrong building as a result. The best approach to supporting wildlife is by promoting natural food sources through planting insect-attracting flowers, fruit bushes, and tall grasses that appeal to various wildlife species. These plantings can offer a sustainable food source without negative impacts.
If feeding wildlife is for mental health benefits or educational purposes, it is advisable to do so away from your door ideally at the bottom of your garden. Timing the feeding when wildlife is not present, avoiding daily feeding, and being mindful of not overfeeding are essential considerations. Also be careful what you feed, avoiding human, fast, fatty, salty and spicy foods. Wild animals and birds may appear starving at times but often this is not the case. Seeing a fox's rib cage, for example, is not necessarily a sign of starvation as it would be with many dog species. Animals may seem desperate for food but are just wanting to secure it before others, not because they are hungry.
It is crucial to remember that wildlife should maintain a healthy fear of humans to prevent harm and cruelty. Kindness towards wildlife should not inadvertently cause suffering. Respecting wildlife as wild creatures is vital to their well-being.
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