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What Should We Feed Wildlife?
What Should We Feed Wildlife?
Feeding wildlife, however well-intentioned, draws animals perilously close to human dwellings, resulting in collisions with windows and walls. Maintaining a healthy fear of humans and steering clear of our species are essential for wildlife survival.
By Jennifer Riley
The question of what to feed wildlife is a common one, often arising from a genuine desire to help animals.
However, our recommendation at Blue Ridge Wildlife Center is always the same – NOTHING. While the act of providing animals with food may seem benevolent, it frequently results in significant health and welfare issues for not only our native wildlife but also our domestic animals and, potentially, ourselves.
Wildlife is inherently equipped to survive seasonal changes without human-provided handouts. Some animals migrate to areas with better resources, others naturally adjust their diets to the available food sources during specific times of the year. Feeding migrating animals can disrupt their natural behaviors, potentially causing them to over-winter in areas they would otherwise leave. This alteration in migration patterns is detrimental to both the animals and biodiversity as a whole.
Moreover, the diets we offer wildlife are often insufficient. These species have evolved with precise nutritional requirements, unlike our pets for whom we have carefully formulated commercial diets. Human-provided foods, usually flavorful and tempting, can lead to animals over-indulging in an unhealthy diet. Consequently, obesity and malnutrition become prevalent as animals increase their caloric intake without the necessary balance of vitamins, minerals, and protein.
Feeding stations intensify challenges for wildlife by promoting congregation, sparking interspecies aggression over resources, and facilitating the spread of diseases. Toxoplasmosis, rabies, distemper, parasites, and more are potential repercussions of such gatherings. Bird feeders, in particular, are notorious breeding grounds for diseases, some of which can transmit to humans or pets.
Fortunately, some state wildlife agencies recognize this as a critical issue. In Virginia, feeding certain species such as bears, deer, and elk is entirely illegal statewide. Deer cannot be fed in Chronic Wasting Disease containment zones at any time statewide from September 1 until the first Saturday in January. It’s also illegal to feed any wild animal when the feeding results in property damage, endangers people or wildlife, or creates a public health concern.
To support wildlife, commit to allowing them a wild diet. For domestic animals like dogs and cats, always feed them indoors. If you are not willing to feed cats indoors, at a minimum, they should be monitored while eating and dishes immediately removed when they have finished to avoid access to wildlife.
For those who choose to feed birds, responsible practices are crucial. Regularly clean feeders weekly, or every two to three days for hummingbird feeders. Empty, bleach, rinse, and thoroughly dry feeders before refilling and reinstalling.
While the sentiment of caring for wildlife is commendable, resist the urge to feed them this winter. Ultimately, the best way to help is by allowing them to thrive in their natural habitats, ensuring a healthy and sustainable coexistence.
DVM Jennifer Riley is hospital director for The Blue Ridge Wildlife Center, the only dedicated wildlife hospital in Northern Virginia. A non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization, it cares for native wildlife by integrating veterinary medicine, rehabilitation, education and research. The center assists more than 3,000 native wildlife annually. Details: www.blueridgewildlifectr.org.
