Feeding can disrupt natural feeding and population patterns and cause animals to become tame. It also can attract wildlife that you would rather not attract.
- Many foods people commonly feed to animals, such as peanuts, are actually bad for them and can cause health problems. Bread is harmful to most animals, including birds, squirrels, ducks, geese and deer.
- If you feed birds or squirrels, use whole, natural foods such as seeds, filberts, apples, squash or corn.
- Consider adding a water feature to your backyard for birds and other wildlife to enjoy.
- Don't assume a fledgling bird or baby mammal needs your assistance. Many birds, especially ground feeders such as robins or jays, normally fledge on the ground in the spring in the care of their parents. As long as the parent birds are alive, it is best not to disturb baby birds. Young mammals often wander short distances from their parents. If you leave them alone, the parent will usually retrieve them.
If you find an injured wild animal, keep it quiet and warm in a dark cardboard box. Take it to the Audubon Wildlife Care Center.