In most contexts, it’s considered a bad practice, even a form of cruelty, to feed wild animals. If you’ve been to a national park, you’ve seen and heard the warnings. I recall a visit to Yosemite where messaging about not feeding bears was pervasive. The Park’s 300-500 black bears are naturally shy of humans, but when they learn to associate food with people, that behavior can change quickly. “Even a single, empty chapstick container or candy bar wrapper can result in a bear breaking into your car.” Yikes for the typical family minivan, amirite?
Thanks, Sarah. You raise a good point that I didn't really get into: bird feeders often end up supporting non-bird species whose populations are already disproportionate to their ecosystems.
Another reason not to put out bird feeders- I live in a fairly urban area and my suet feeder was consistently stolen and emptied by rats. Once I realized I was just fueling a burgeoning rat population in my neighborhood I gave up on bird feeders. I've never thought of bird feeding in the same terms as the 'don't feed the wildlife' rules of the national parks before, but it makes sense!
clever possums
We sprinkled a handful of peanuts outside our bedroom door so we could watch some birds up close. Discovered we had a pair of opposums.
Thanks, Sarah. You raise a good point that I didn't really get into: bird feeders often end up supporting non-bird species whose populations are already disproportionate to their ecosystems.
Another reason not to put out bird feeders- I live in a fairly urban area and my suet feeder was consistently stolen and emptied by rats. Once I realized I was just fueling a burgeoning rat population in my neighborhood I gave up on bird feeders. I've never thought of bird feeding in the same terms as the 'don't feed the wildlife' rules of the national parks before, but it makes sense!