We all love seeing nature in our backyards. There is something magical about watching a deer graze at the edge of the woods or seeing a raccoon wash its hands in a creek. It is a natural impulse to want to help these animals, especially in winter, by putting out bowls of food or corn.

However, as wildlife professionals, we see the other side of this kindness. Feeding wildlife—whether intentional (putting out bowls of cat food) or accidental (leaving trash unsecured)—often leads to unintended negative consequences for both the animals and the neighborhood.

Here is why keeping wildlife wild is the kindest thing you can do.

1. The Loss of Fear (Habituation)

Wild animals have a natural fear of humans. This fear keeps them safe. It keeps them away from cars, dogs, and people who might harm them.

When you feed an animal, you teach it to associate humans with food. This process is called habituation.

• The Beggar: A habituated raccoon or fox will start approaching people expecting a handout.
• The Aggressor: When the food isn’t provided, the animal can become demanding and aggressive. We frequently receive calls about “rabid” raccoons that are actually just angry because a homeowner stopped feeding them.
• The Outcome: A habituated animal that bites or scratches a human usually has to be euthanized for rabies testing. By feeding it, you may have signed its death warrant.

2. The Disease Vector

In nature, animals are spread out. They have territories. Feeding stations bring large numbers of animals together in a small area—a “congregation site.”

This is the perfect environment for spreading contagious diseases.

• Canine Distemper: This fatal virus spreads through airborne droplets. If one sick raccoon eats from a communal bowl, it infects the saliva, which then infects every other raccoon, skunk, and fox that eats from that bowl.
• Mange: Sarcoptic mange is a parasitic mite that spreads through direct contact. Crowded feeding sites lead to rapid outbreaks of mange in fox and coyote populations.
• Raccoon Roundworm: Concentrating raccoons in your yard concentrates their feces (and the deadly roundworm eggs) in your soil, putting your children and pets at risk.

3. The Predator Effect

You might think you are just feeding the cute squirrels and chipmunks. But in nature, where there is prey, predators will follow.

By creating an artificial buffet of rodents in your backyard, you are ringing the dinner bell for:

• Coyotes
• Foxes
• Hawks and Owls
• Snakes

While predators are a healthy part of the ecosystem, drawing them into close proximity with your home puts your domestic pets at risk. A coyote attracted by the squirrels at your feeder may decide your small dog is an easier meal.

4. Nutritional Damage

Human food is rarely good for wildlife.

• Bread and Corn: These are “junk food” for animals. They are high in carbohydrates but low in essential nutrients.
• Angel Wing: Feeding bread to ducks and geese causes a deformity called “Angel Wing,” where the wings grow incorrectly, leaving the bird unable to fly and vulnerable to predators.
• Metabolic Bone Disease: Raccoons fed dog food or table scraps often suffer from calcium deficiencies, leading to brittle bones and painful deformities.

5. Property Damage

Once animals know your yard is a food source, they won’t leave when the bowl is empty. They will look for more.

• They will tear open your trash cans.
• They will dig up your garden.
• They will try to break into your screened porch or garage.
• Eventually, they will try to move into your attic to be closer to the food source.

How to Enjoy Wildlife Safely

The best way to help wildlife is to preserve their natural habitat.

• Plant Native: Plant native trees and shrubs that provide natural nuts, berries, and cover.
• Water: A clean birdbath or small pond is a great way to attract wildlife without the risks associated with feeding.
• Bird Feeders: If you feed birds, keep the area clean. Sweep up spilled seed daily to avoid attracting rats and raccoons. If you see signs of disease (sick birds) or nuisance animals, take the feeders down for a few weeks.

Love them from a distance. Keep them wild, and you keep them safe.