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Feeding geese will now be a violation of city ordinance, punishable by a fine of $50 or $100. The first offense will be considered an infraction, but following offenses could increase the penalty.

“We would hope that after someone is caught, they would stop feeding the animals,” Shockley said.

The ordinance says “’feed’ means making food, including corn or seeds, available for consumption outdoors, either by spreading on the ground or hanging at a height of less than 5 feet as measured from the grade at the pole or structure supporting the bird feeder. Maintaining live vegetation such as fruit trees, gardens or flower beds does not count as feeding. Small bird feeders higher than 5 feet will also be acceptable.

The ordinance explicitly defines “non-domestic animal” or “wildlife” as animals considered to be naturally wild and not naturally trained or domesticated, or which are commonly considered to be inherently dangerous to the health, safety and welfare of people.

Residents are also not allowed to care for any member of the rodent family, including any skunk, raccoon, squirrel or ferret. Any poisonous, venomous, constricting, or inherently dangerous member of the reptile or amphibian families, including rattlesnakes, restricted non-venomous constricting snakes, pit vipers, crocodiles, and alligators are also explicitly prohibited.

Earlier this summer, Michael Szymanski, the migratory game bird management supervisor for the North Dakota Game and Fish, said that feeding the birds can create “bad habits.” In one instance a goose knocked over a little kid for his sandwich, Szymanski said, adding the nearby water features create a situation that is impossible to avoid.

Readers can reach West Fargo editor Wendy Reuer at wreuer@ forumcomm.com or 701-241-5530.