Don't Tempt Them with 'Junk' Food (Page 2 of 2)

Unwanted and Dangerous Guests

What’s dinner for the neighborhood fox family is also a meal for other wild animals living near your home. Normally reclusive and wary, black bears will leave the woods and become accustomed to finding a meal in your backyard if you leave them something to eat. Feeding deer also can attract other large predators, such as mountain lions. Where there are lots of deer, there are also lots of mountain lions, prowling for prey.

Over time, predators such as bears and mountain lions, become less wary and more emboldened. They’re more apt to attack pets and people, and when that happens, it can spell death to bears and lions, which often must be destroyed to ensure public safety.

What About Birds?

Colorado Parks and Wildlife supports and encourages using backyard bird feeders to supplement natural food for song birds. Be sure that the food you provide song birds is fresh and clean. Also make sure you clean the feeder periodically. Common bird foods include sunflower seed and millet. Some birds also are attracted by fresh fruit. In addition to your feeder, be sure to offer a source of water for your backyard birds, year-round if possible. Remember, if you start a bird feeding program, some bird experts suggest you continue all winter and through spring. That way those birds that become dependent on the feeder will still have a source of food.

A word of caution, however. If you live in bear country, be aware that certain bird foods, particularly hummingbird nectar, are very attractive to bruins. Put your bird foods and hummingbird feeders away if you don’t want to inadvertently create potentially dangerous conflicts with our state’s largest predator close to your home. For more information, contact your nearest Colorado Parks and Wildlife office.

It’s Against the Law

Anyone still unconvinced that putting out food is bad for wildlife? Those skeptics need to keep in mind that under Colorado law, intentionally feeding big game animals is illegal. The prohibition applies to deer, elk, pronghorn, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, mountain lions, and bears. Violators face a $50 fine.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife hopes you won’t face such a fine and that we’ve explained why it’s best to simply let Mother Nature take care of wild animals. If you don’t, you quite literally could end up loving our wildlife to death.