Please do NOT feed wildlife!

Feeding wildlife is harmful and can have many unintended consequences.

• Wildlife does not need to be fed by people.
  In fact, a healthy natural habitat provides plenty of nutritionally balanced, appropriate food sources. Food provided by people often lacks nutritional value.

• Wildlife is at risk when they lose their fear of people.
  When wildlife becomes habituated (by being fed by humans), their natural defence instincts change. This puts them at greater risk of injury and predation.

• Feeding wildlife creates human-wildlife conflict.
  Habituated wildlife often display aggressive behaviour towards children, pets, and other wildlife. They can also become fiercely territorial during their mating season.

• Wildlife can become sick from hand-feeding.
  For example, excess grain and seeds left behind can become mouldy, causing illness when eaten by birds. Feeding can also cause overcrowding, which leads to the spread of disease.

There are many ways to help wildlife without feeding them! Consider other ways to support wildlife:

1. Create and support their natural habitat.

2. Offer a clean source of water in your backyard.

3. Leave messy, naturalized spaces in your yard.