Feeding Animals in a Residential Neighborhood Has Unintended Risks

During the winter months it becomes harder for birds and squirrels and to find food. Many well meaning people put out bird feeders or scatter bread crumbs or left over food in their yard so that birds and squirrels may have an easier time of it.many times unbeknown to the homeowner they are not only feeding the squirrels but they are also putting out a tasty display for other woodland animals such as skunks,raccoons,and possums. No harm done some might think but the opposite is true. When small animals such as birds, squirrels skunks,raccoons and possums are lured into a residential neighborhood to eat, many problems follow. These creatures often nest near a consistent food source making it more likely that they will break into an attic or crawl space in a nearby house. The odds are high that they will not be a welcomed guest in the home so now they're at greater risk of being harmed by a frustrated home owner. small animals that eat from backyard food sources are also at greater risk to be hit in traffic.Apart from the harm done to them, theses animals bring a set of risks to humans and pest as well. In New Jersey, skunks, raccoons and possum are among the top rabies carriers. rabies can spread to pets and humans. While squirrels and rabbits don't pose a rabies risk to humans, they frequently carry fleas and mites that settle in a yard and can easily be picked up by humans, cats and dogs. If you are compassionate towards woodland creatures and their winter plight its best to feed them in a park or by a wooded area. Don't worry if you are consistent in providing a food source the animals will find it.For more on the subject see
Cato Termite and Pest Control