Don’t Feed Wild Animals
Wild animals fed by people can:
… get “hooked” on handouts. They can lose their ability to find and catch their own food. For example, dolphins that become dependent on humans have been known to abandon their young, leaving calves alone to starve and fight off predators. Young dolphins that have not been taught to forage naturally are at the most risk.
… associate people with food and lose their fear of people. Wild marine mammals that are unafraid of people are more likely to endanger themselves by approaching boats or spending time in areas with high vessel traffic.
…destroy the environment or cause property destruction. Wild sea lions that have been fed by people have hauled out on docks and into boats, doing damage as they search for food.
… become aggressive towards people. Feeding causes wild animals to change their natural behavior. Wild dolphins and sea lions that have become accustomed to being fed have charged, bitten, and otherwise injured people.
…become more likely to eat trash and debris. Eating plastic wrappers or other litter can harm an animal’s digestive tract or lead to its death.
The oversight agencies for ocean wildlife, the National Marine Fisheries Service and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, have programs in place to educate the public about the problems created by feeding wild animals and intruding on their natural habitats. But the government needs help getting these messages out. Promote the passive observation of wild animals from a safe distance. It’s the best thing for the safety of wild animals and for us!
