Don’t Feed the Wildlife

The City of Beacon Housing Authority and Wildlife Services encourages all residents to avoid feeding wildlife such as ducks, geese, gulls, raccoons, deer, squirrels, coyotes, feral cats, stray dogs, skunks, raccoons, etc.

One way you can help reduce wildlife conflicts with people is by not feeding wildlife near human populations and in parks. BHA has camera footage of residents leaving small plates of food in hidden areas of the properties. Although these areas may be hidden to you they still pose a threat to other residents on the property. If you are a residents who feels compelled to help wild animals BHA suggest that you volunteer time at the Beacon Human Society or any other non profit agency who’s mission is the safety and protection of wild life.

BHA is asking the residents cooperation in this matter so that we can avoid wild life damage problems which could result from this behavior. Please review the information below:

Wildlife Services experts are often asked to assist with wildlife damage problems related to animals that have been accidentally or intentionally fed by people. Feeding wildlife can lead to a number of serious problems:

• Human food is not healthy for wild animals, and they do not need food from humans to survive. Wild animals have specialized diets, and they can become malnourished or die if fed the wrong foods. Also, animals cannot distinguish food from wrappers or foil and can get sick eating these items.
• Feeding leads to public health concerns. Too many animals in one place increases the chance of disease transmission to people and among other wildlife.
• Animals accustomed to people often lose their fear of people and can become aggressive. Those that become too aggressive may have to be destroyed to protect people and property.
• Birds gathering near or on airports can become victims of bird-aircraft collisions, potentially causing flight delays, damage to aircraft, and loss of human life.
• Animals fed along roads tend to stay near roads, increasing the chance of vehicle-animal accidents.
• Large concentrations of ducks and geese can pollute nearby waterways, backyards and athletic fields. Some waterfowl species drop up to a pound of feces every day!

If you see any resident feeding wild life on the BHA Properties please notify the Management Office immediately.