Who doesn’t like to see birds and squirrels, or maybe even an occasional visit from a transient deer, in your own backyard? And to increase the odds in our favor – and theirs – quite a few individuals purpose to keep feeders replenished, just to make sure the ‘welcome mat’ is always out for wildlife. Watching various wild critters right outside our windows can be quite enjoyable, perhaps even to the point of elevating one’s mental well-being.
Sounds good, right? But could there be any negative implications associated with my good intentions? In most cases, the pros can outweigh the cons. However, one does need to keep in mind that by “inviting” wildlife, you could possibly be opening the door for undesirable or even destructive consequences.
Here are just a few things to consider along with your wildlife endeavors. Providing a supplemental food source generally is favorable, especially when the harsher winter weather prevails. Just make sure you are providing food that is healthy. The wrong kind of ‘snacks’ may mean that your furry and feathered friends are not getting the nutrients they need in order to survive inclement weather. Furthermore, too much of “good thing” may cause them to stop foraging for themselves as they would naturally!
Know this as well: once you hang the “Open for business” sign, you may end up attracting more than you had expected. Like that familiar line we’ve always shared, “if you build it, they will come”! In other words, you may have some of the other critters (raccoons, possums, skunks, etc.) taking advantage of your perceived ‘handout’, inadvertently creating a human-wildlife conflict you’re left to deal with!
Nature is never in a perfect balance, this due to a lot of limiting factors. That leaves us as the stewards of our land and of our natural resources, to do whatever we can to take the best possible care of our streams and rivers – and wildlife!
Also remember this – wild means wild! It means that these critters live in a natural environment and though they can at times be “tamed” or domesticated, it is not normal and could in the long run, prove to detrimental to their well-being, or yours! I realize that it is sometimes difficult, if not nearly impossible, to not want to reach out a helping ‘motherly/fatherly’ hand. Best intentions could end up doing more harm than good. Better yet should a situation arise, contact a Wildlife Officer or a wildlife rehabilitator.
The ODNR Division of Wildlife has some recommendations on their website, should you choose to feed wildlife. To serve them the best way possible, just know what, where, and when to feed wildlife. And if applicable, be sure your community ordinances allow this type of activity. Who knows, the pleasure of viewing wildlife up close and personal may be right there in your own backyard!
