Don’t feed the birds: Keep our waterfowl healthy by not feeding them human food
For generations, families have enjoyed bringing stale bread to feed ducks at the local park or pond. Ducks, swans and other waterfowl have certainly enjoyed the free food as well. While it may seem like a less wasteful and helpful way to dispose of old food, feeding waterfowl can actually be harmful for the birds, other wildlife and the environment.
Human food such as bread, crackers, chips or even popcorn doesn’t contain the right nutrition waterfowl need, putting them at risk for a number of health issues. Consistent feeding can also cause wildlife to become reliant on humans for food.
Where food is easy to come by, waterfowl will lay more eggs. This could cause overpopulation, make birds more vulnerable to diseases, and some birds could be more aggressive about protecting their territory.
In addition, uneaten food and excess animal waste pollutes the water and attracts unwelcome pests to the area.
Waterfowl can live longer, healthier lives when they rely on natural food sources like grasses, aquatic plants and insects.
What can you do with the stale bread instead? Include it with your other food scraps to bring to a Ramsey County collection site. The food scraps will become finished compost used in gardens, landscaping and construction projects, ultimately having more of a positive impact on the environment.
This article is featured in Green Ramsey, an environmental health newsletter from Ramsey County.
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