Public Advisory: Do Not Feed Wild Animals Feeding wild animals like geese, ducks, raccoons, and other nuisance wildlife may seem like a kind gesture, but it can lead to harmful consequences for the animals, the community, and the environment. For the safety and well-being of everyone, please follow these important guidelines. Risks of Feeding Wildlife: Human Safety Concerns: Feeding animals such as geese, raccoons, or even squirrels can encourage them to approach people, leading to aggressive behaviors. Geese, in particular, can become territorial, while raccoons are known to carry diseases such as rabies. Disruption of Natural Behavior: Wildlife that becomes reliant on human food can lose their natural foraging instincts. Geese and ducks may stay in areas they would normally migrate away from, and raccoons may become bold, entering homes or trash bins in search of food. Increased Risk of Disease: Overfeeding waterfowl like geese and ducks in lakes or ponds can contribute to water pollution. The increased waste can lead to the growth of bacteria and parasites, including those responsible for swimmer’s itch, which causes an itchy rash for people swimming in contaminated water. Similarly, raccoons can carry diseases such as leptospirosis and parasites that may pose a threat to humans and pets. Environmental Damage: Feeding birds and other animals non-native food like bread or scraps can upset the balance of local ecosystems. An overabundance of geese, for example, can degrade park areas and water quality by trampling vegetation and leaving droppings everywhere. Other nuisance animals like raccoons and squirrels can cause property damage by scavenging and nesting in human structures. Health Risks to Animals: Human food lacks the nutrients wild animals need, which can lead to serious health problems. For example, bread fed to birds can cause deformities like “angel wing,” while raccoons and other scavengers might consume harmful substances that can make them sick. How You Can Help: Do Not Feed Wild Animals: Whether it’s geese, ducks, raccoons, or any other wildlife, refrain from feeding them. Observing from a distance helps maintain their natural behaviors and keeps them wild. Proper Waste Disposal: Ensure all trash is securely contained, and avoid leaving food scraps behind. Use raccoon-proof trash cans where available to prevent wildlife from rummaging through waste. Protect Water and Land: Feeding birds and other wildlife contributes to overpopulation, pollution, and damage to local environments. By not feeding them, you help maintain the health of parks, ponds, and public spaces. Together, we can create a safer, healthier environment for wildlife and our community. Avoiding the feeding of nuisance animals helps protect both people and nature from unwanted interactions and damage.