Kitchener’s new by-law
Some Kitchener residents have been regularly feeding wildlife by leaving nuts and seeds out for squirrels, raccoons, skunks, rats and possums. This eventually led to increased wildlife activity in neighbourhoods which caused some residents to complain. After a two-hour discussion city council passed a controversial bill banning the feeding of wildlife. The new by-law was criticized by local wildlife lovers stating the city was taking a heavy-handed approach and over regulating ordinary activities. The change in by-law stems from multiple complaints of residents whose properties had sudden invasions of wild animals. Photos of piles of nutshells mixed with feces and video of rats using dryer vents to enter homes prompted council to pass the law. Council specified the by-law to those who fed wildlife in a manner that creates a nuisance to an owner or occupant of any property. [caption id="attachment_11045" align="aligncenter" width="900"]
Why it’s important not to feed wildlife.
Regular food sources are the number one reason wildlife frequent and return to specific areas. Food is what they spend much of their time searching for. With animal populations growing in residential areas as a result of plentiful food they often resort to nesting and living in houses and other structures. Common urban wildlife food sources include: bird feeders, garbage, unattended pet food and vegetable gardens. Wildlife infestation can result in repairs costing thousands of dollars. Species such as mice and rats breed at incredible rates. More food access results in healthier rodents. That means they’ll reach sexual maturity at a younger age, producing larger and healthier litters. Rodent populations can grow rapidly and they all need places to live. Even animal lovers will draw the line at a mouse or rat infestation in their house. [caption id="attachment_11048" align="aligncenter" width="900"]