A warning issued by Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) describes feeding wildlife as a “selfish act” and restricts residents not to feed migrating wildlife, it can lead to bigger problems.

Jay Cook, regional supervisor at the AZGFD Mesa office, said that, “In spring, many wildlife species venture out of the hills looking for new home territories, water and food, and that often brings them into town. People who love wildlife should understand that feeding wild animals puts them in danger.”  “When wildlife learn to view humans as a food source, they lose their fear of people, and that can lead to attacks that end badly for both humans and wildlife.”

According to the Game and Fish Department, the problem of wandering wildlife is not confined to  rural communities of the valley, while biggest cities of Arizona are also surrounded by forests, deserts and riparian areas. Feeding birds and tree squirrels is legal while, some cities have  ordinances against feeding other wildlife due to the dangers that, it can pose to both people and wildlife.

“It’s a selfish act to put food out to attract wildlife into town for your viewing pleasure,” said Cook. “We want people to think twice before luring wildlife into trouble by feeding them.”

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Nandini