South Florida’s lush backyards, balmy weather, and proximity to natural habitats make it a haven for watching wildlife. From ducks waddling through neighborhoods to raccoons rummaging through compost bins, the opportunity to get close to wild animals is enticing. But despite good intentions, feeding wildlife—even casually—is not just discouraged; it’s dangerous.
Whether you’re tossing bread to ducks at a park, leaving food for raccoons near the fence, or keeping a bird feeder brimming in your own backyard, feeding wild animals disrupts ecosystems, encourages aggressive behavior, and invites disease. This article explores the risks, myths, and responsibilities tied to feeding wildlife in South Florida—especially for those dealing with unwanted animals on their property.
Feeding Wildlife: A Feel-Good Habit With a Dark Side
Should you feed wildlife? The short answer is no. Feeding wildlife—intentionally or accidentally—can alter animal behavior, degrade their health, and pose serious risks to both animals and humans.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) explicitly warns against feeding wild animals, noting that “feeding wild animals is not only dangerous, but often illegal.”[1] For example, it’s illegal to feed bears, deer, raccoons, foxes, and sandhill cranes in Florida.
Yet, well-meaning residents continue to do so, often under the false belief that human food or pet food can help wildlife survive. Unfortunately, this often leads to malnutrition, disease, property damage, and sometimes, the death of the animal.
The Nutritional Fallout: Wild Animals Need a Natural Diet
Wild animals have complex nutritional needs that cannot be met by bread, cereal, or table scraps. Feeding ducks and geese, for example, is a common activity in public areas like parks and retention ponds. But bread can cause “angel wing”—a deformity that affects the growth of wing bones in birds, making them unable to fly. According to Audubon Florida, this condition is irreversible and preventable simply by not feeding wild birds the wrong foods.
Pet food, another common offering, is too high in protein and fat for many wild species. While it might seem like a treat, it can throw off a bird or mammal’s ability to absorb proper nutrients, weakening their immune systems and making them more susceptible to disease and predation.
Behavioral Shifts: When Animals Lose Their Natural Fear of Humans
Feeding wild animals regularly erodes their natural fear of humans. This loss of wariness can lead to bold and dangerous encounters—especially in small areas like backyards, parks, and public areas.
Raccoons, squirrels, and even coyotes become increasingly aggressive when they associate humans with easy food. They may attempt to enter homes, harass pets, or attack people who don’t deliver the expected snacks.
Once an animal becomes dependent on handouts and starts causing harm, it’s often euthanized. Thus, feeding leads not to survival—but to death.
Disease Risks: From Bacteria to Rabies
Wildlife is a known carrier of zoonotic diseases—illnesses that can spread between animals and humans. When you feed the wildlife, you increase the chance of direct contact, and with that, the chance of disease.
Feeding wild animals concentrates them unnaturally in one spot. This close contact promotes the spread of bacteria and viruses through feces, saliva, and fur. Common diseases linked to wildlife include:
- Leptospirosis (spread by raccoon urine)
- Salmonella (often found in bird droppings near feeders)
- Rabies (carried by raccoons, foxes, and bats)
- Distemper (spread among raccoons and can harm unvaccinated pets)
The CDC estimates that around 60% of known infectious diseases in people are spread from animals, and 75% of new infectious diseases are zoonotic in origin.[2]
Property Damage and Nuisance Behavior
When wild animals are fed—even accidentally through open compost bins or unsecured trash—they begin to rely on humans as a food source. This leads to nuisance behavior that can damage homes, gardens, vehicles, and even structures.
For example:
- Raccoons can tear into roofs or attics looking for shelter and snacks.
- Squirrels gnaw on wires and insulation, creating fire hazards.
- Coyotes attracted by food may attack small pets in backyards.
- Deer eat ornamental plants and can spread ticks that carry Lyme disease.
If you’re dealing with regular wildlife visits, your first step should be to securely close trash containers, remove pet food bowls from porches, and bring water containers indoors.
The Domino Effect: One Species’ Meal is Another’s Misfortune
When you feed one species, you inadvertently affect other wildlife. For example, leaving birdseed out may attract rodents, which then bring predators like snakes or hawks. Feeding ducks may lead to the overpopulation of geese, which are more aggressive and can push out native species.
Feeding can also lead to habitat degradation. Large numbers of animals foraging in the same ground space leads to trampled vegetation, eroded soil, and polluted water sources.
How to Help Without Harming
You can still enjoy watching wildlife—without putting animals or your community at risk. Here’s how:
1. Plant a Native Garden
Provide natural foods like berries, seeds, and nectar by planting native species. This sustainably supports local wildlife and encourages them to forage as they would in the wild.
2. Remove Attractants
Stop feeding wild animals and remove all artificial food sources, including bird feeders if you’re experiencing unwanted visitors. Take extra care during dry seasons when animals might be tempted by pet water bowls or compost.
3. Educate Others
Many people simply don’t know the consequences of feeding wild animals. Share facts with neighbors and encourage schools and communities to adopt wildlife-safe practices.
4. Call a Professional
If you’re dealing with unwanted animals on your property, don’t try to relocate or feed them. Contact a licensed wildlife removal expert in South Florida to safely and humanely handle the issue.
Get Connected to Professional Wildlife Control in South Florida
Feeding wildlife may feel like kindness, but in reality, it often brings more harm than help. Wild animals are not pets. They need a natural diet, space, and fear of humans to stay healthy, safe, and wild.
By letting nature take its course, you’re not turning your back on animals—you’re giving them their best chance to survive.
If you live in Florida and find yourself facing frequent visits from wild animals, take action to eliminate attractants and contact a professional like Nuisance Wildlife Rangers. We can remove animals from your property without harming them or the local ecosystem in the process.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What should I do if my neighbor keeps feeding wildlife and it’s attracting animals to my property?
Start by having a respectful conversation—many people simply don’t realize the risks. Share information from trusted sources like the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). If the issue persists and becomes a safety concern, you can report it to FWC or your local code enforcement, especially if the feeding involves species like bears, raccoons, or deer, which are illegal to feed in Florida.
2. Are there any wildlife species it’s safe or legal to feed in Florida?
While feeding some bird species with appropriate seed mixtures is not strictly illegal, the FWC discourages it due to unintended consequences like disease spread, predator attraction, and behavior changes. Feeding bears, deer, raccoons, foxes, and sandhill cranes is specifically prohibited. Always check local ordinances, as cities and counties may have stricter rules.
3. Can I use motion-activated deterrents to keep wildlife away?
Yes. Motion-activated lights, sprinklers, or ultrasonic sound devices can help deter animals like raccoons, opossums, and feral cats. However, their effectiveness varies depending on the species and environment. Combining deterrents with habitat modification—like securing trash and sealing crawl spaces—tends to produce the best results.
4. What are safe alternatives to bird feeders that still support local birds?
Native plant gardens are an ideal alternative. Plants like firebush, beautyberry, and coral honeysuckle offer food and shelter to birds without encouraging overpopulation or disease. You can also install birdbaths—just clean them regularly to prevent algae and bacteria buildup.
5. How do I safely clean up areas where animals have been fed or congregated?
Wear gloves and a mask, especially if dealing with droppings. Dispose of leftover food, sanitize the area with a mild bleach solution, and remove items like bowls or feeders. If wild animals have left behind a large mess or you suspect contamination, consider hiring a wildlife cleanup service to avoid exposure to parasites or zoonotic diseases.
6. I enjoy photographing wildlife. How can I do that without interfering with their behavior?
Use a telephoto lens and maintain a respectful distance—at least 50 feet for most mammals, more for larger species like alligators or deer. Avoid making noises to attract animals or baiting them with food. Patience and observation from a distance allow for authentic, safe wildlife photography.
References:
- Florida Wildlife Commission (FWC): information-about-wildlife-feeding-rules-and-penalties.pdf
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): About Zoonotic Diseases
