Montana officials urge public to avoid feeding wildlife as animals emerge in spring

MONTANA-  Spring welcomed back grizzly, black bears,  wolverines, wolves, migratory birds, and elk/bisons, according to the Montana, Fish, Wildlife, and Parks. 

As animals reemerged, Montanans were reminded of why they shouldn't feed the wildlife:

• Supplemental feeding can make animals depend on food that is not part of their natural diet.
• Animals can lose their fear of people and start looking for human food, which can lead to conflicts, nuisance behavior and safety risks.
•  Feeding prey animals such as deer, squirrels and rabbits can draw in predators including coyotes, bobcats and mountain lions.
•  Human food often does not meet wildlife nutrition needs and can cause health problems.
• Artificial feeding can grow animal populations and create more competition, which can lead to fights and injuries.
• Feeding can cause animals to gather in large numbers, making it easier for disease to spread.
•  Diseases including rabies and distemper can spread more easily when unnaturally large groups of animals stay close together.

Additional seasonal wildlife tips and reminders can be found on the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks site.