Niagara Parks will soon install signage at various sites throughout Niagara Falls, Ont., to help curb wildlife feeding and educate visitors about its negative impacts on the environment. Photo by Pauline E – CC 2.0
Niagara Parks will soon install signage at various sites throughout Niagara Falls, Ont., to help curb wildlife feeding and educate visitors about its negative impacts on the environment.
The signs will be placed at Dufferin Islands, where the issue is especially severe, as well as in Kingsbridge Park and the Botanical Gardens. They will inform guests wildlife feeding of any kind—regardless of the type of food—is prohibited on Niagara Parks property.
While well-intended, wildlife feeding can lead to unusual or aggressive behaviour, as well as overcrowding, transmission of disease, growth disorders, malnutrition, delayed or failed migration, an increase in rodents and other pests, degradation of water quality and park lands, and other negative impacts to the broader ecosystem. Additionally, wildlife should already have plenty of appropriate food available to them and rely on their instincts to find it as needed, to help keep populations at healthy and sustainable levels.
While guests are encouraged to explore the various parks, gardens, and nature trails throughout the Niagara River corridor, it is important for them to understand how to minimize the environmental impacts of their visits. Other ways to connect with nature besides feeding wildlife include bird watching, hiking, picnicking, ethical nature photography, and forest bathing.
