Most of us love our local wildlife and are excited to see deer, coyotes or fox near our homes. The internet has abundant videos of adorable looking wild animals enjoying suburban back yards but it is important to remember that feeding wild animals – no matter how cute or hungry they may seem – can often result in more harm than good.
When we encourage wild animals into close proximity to our homes with food, mineral blocks, or other products, there may be unintended consequences. Family pets can be especially susceptible to encounters with wild animals, such as coyotes, raccoons and skunks when food placed in backyards attracts them. When wild animals learn that humans can provide a cheap and easy food source, they often lose their natural fear of humans. Once wild animals learn that they can boldly and easily consume the food provided for them, they often develop nuisance behavior and conflicts develop. These animals are then themselves put at risk.
Obviously, those of us who enjoy feeding neighborhood birds, squirrels and chipmunks should continue this practice preferably using elevated feeders, to avoid unwanted wildlife. We should also get out and enjoy our preserves and wild areas where we may be lucky enough to spot a wild animal in their own preferred habitat. To learn more attend the Wilmette Library program on Feb. 13th at 11 a.m. where experts from Lincoln Park Zoo will share some of their knowledge about our our neighboring urban wildlife with an emphasis on minimizing conflict between humans and wildlife.
