Ontario County NY : Rabies Web Page of the Month

Just Say No to Feeding Wildlife.

Whatever the intention, problems arise when we try to 'take care' of wildlife by providing food. Feeding wildlife interferes with the natural balance between animal populations and their habitat. When animals become reliant on human-fashioned food sources, they stop feeding on the variety of natural foods they need. Additionally, feeding wildlife can cause disease. Groups of animals sharing a common 'buffet,' may also share bacteria, viruses and other pathogens via feces, saliva, and urine. Some of these organisms can even be transmitted to humans.