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Keeping wildlife wild |
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Animals can feed themselves There are many reasons why humans shouldn't feed wildlife: Despite many of them trying to convince you otherwise, animals have their own food which they find in the wild, they don't need to be fed by humans. Many animals have specialised diets and the wrong foods can badly affect their health. For example, feeding Kangaroos and Wallabies human food can lead to mouth and jaw problems and long term problems feeding. Feeding animals also encourages them to associate people with food, as a result they can become dependent on humans for food. This can lead to animal populations overcrowding around human visited areas such as campgrounds and carparks. This in turn accordingly increases the spread of disease, inbreeding and fighting between animals as well as potentially increasing the risk of road accidents and animal attacks. Some wildlife can even become pests, possums and quolls fed in some camping grounds have learnt how to steal food and can damage expensive camping equipment while trying to get to your food. One particular camper has even reported an animal ripping their tent and tearing a hole in their water bag for a drink! Let nature be natural National parks are one of the few places where ecosystems can operate free from the influence of humans. Animals living in the wild have developed an ability to deal with weather conditions, control population numbers as well as their breeding patterns. Feeding and interacting with wildlife not only disrupts these natural processes; it also reduces the chance for people to observe an animal behaving naturally in the wild. You can help prevent problems by: Sadly wild animals are usually blamed when people are bitten or “attacked” as a result of an animal encounter. In actual fact in Victoria there are very few if any animals that attack or bite humans unless approached or provoked. • Remember the bush is their home; you are visiting so keep a respectful distance and try to avoid disturbing them. • Keep your distance, don't try and hug or pat wild animals. • With the exception of guide dogs, most national parks around Australia do not allow dogs, cats and other pets. This is mainly to protect native wildlife. If dogs and cats escape in a park they could prey on native animals and birds. Even the scent and sounds of dogs and cats are enough to scare off native wildlife. In addition domestic animals may spread diseases to native animals, and vice versa. • If you have a pet with you remember to observe park regulations, control them and avoid interaction with wild animals. • Never leave food unattended, even for a short time. • Store food in a food locker or vehicle. • Dispose of rubbish appropriately – unless bins are provided carry out what you carry in. • Report wildlife problems or people feeding wildlife to a park ranger. Appreciate wildlife nature by connecting with nature Remember to use all of your senses to connect with nature, you may not notice but animal homes are all around you, logs, branches, shells, rocks, trees and holes provide homes for a variety of mammals, birds, insects and amphibians. Dead logs and rocks are critical to the survival of many small animals, providing home and food to an enormous number of tiny living things. Insects and fungi are often found in dead wood. They play an important role in nature, keeping the natural ecosystem functioning well. To reduce the impact on animal homes, remember to leave rocks and logs as they are. When camping bring or use a fuel stove for cooking. If you are having a campfire, bring wood from home (or buy it from a petrol station) to minimize the amount you burn. Remember respect parks and wildlife, carry out what you carry in and only share your food with other people .
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