Why do People Feed Wild Animals?
Many people enjoy feeding wildlife because it allows them to be close to the animals. Other people feed the animals because they think it is fun and entertaining. Sometimes people do it because they think wild animals don't get enough to eat in the wild.   But regardless of the motivation, feeding wild animals can harm them more than it helps them.

What are the Effects of Feeding Wild Animals?
Human foods commonly fed to wild animals such as bread, crackers and French fries can lead to very serious health problems.  If the animals eat too much human food, especially while growing, their bones and feathers may become deformed. If birds eat too much of these foods at one time the foods can become a sticky mass in the birds' throat that can only be removed by surgery.

Young animals who grow up depending on humans to feed them may not learn how to find their own food in the wild. 

If wild animals can regularly find lots of human food in one place, such as pet food bowls outside, unnaturally large numbers of animals may gather.  Disease and illness can spread more quickly between these animals.

Animals who become used to being fed by humans can lose their fear of people and be seen as dangerous to people if the animals approach them.  A natural fear of humans is important for a wild animal's survival as not all people will be kind to that animal.

If the food source disappears when people move or go on vacation, those animals who are dependent on handouts may starve.

How Can You Help?
Do not feed wild animals when you visit parks or go camping.  When you visit these places, make sure that all your food and garbage is safely packed away when you are done.

It is much harder for wild animals to find clean fresh water in cities.  Put a few different sized bird baths in your yard to give them a place to drink and wash. Change the water daily.

Instead of using bird feeders, plant Native plants.  These will provide food and cover for more Species of birds.

Become a Habitat explorer by observing the animals in your yard and the signs they leave behind.  Get a pair of binoculars and some field guides to help you understand the birds visiting the baths. 

Educate others about why it's important not to feed wild animals.

If you find a wild animal that you think is injured or Orphaned you can get free help by calling the PAWS Wildlife Center at 425.787.2500 x817.

If you see someone hurting a wild animal, it's important to report it right away to Animal Control or the police.  You can learn more about how to report animal abuse at PAWSkids.org.