Feeding wildlife is generally discouraged and, in some cases, illegal. In Florida, it is illegal to feed manatees, sandhill cranes, bears, raccoons, foxes, and alligators. Intentionally placing food or garbage, allowing the placement of food or garbage, or offering food or garbage in such a manner that it attracts black bears, foxes, raccoons, or sandhill cranes and thereby creates a public nuisance is prohibited.
Additionally, intentionally feeding species listed as threatened, endangered, or of special concern – including Florida scrub-jays – is prohibited unless authorized by FWC permit. Feeding listed species is prohibited because it can negatively alter feeding behavior in some species and can cause them to become accustomed to people.
Feeding wildlife often has a detrimental rather than a helpful effect. Feeding animals may cause some species to concentrate so much on this supplemental feeding that they become a nuisance or a threat to people (e.g., bears, sandhill cranes). When fed, alligators can overcome their natural wariness and learn to associate people with food. When this happens, some of these alligators have to be removed and killed.
Feeding stations where wildlife congregates also can help spread diseases among wildlife. In addition, some food that is fed to wildlife is considered “junk food” to animals. Things like bread and other human staples are generally poor substitutes for naturally occurring foods that wildlife finds in the wild. If you maintain a bird feeder, it should be stocked with the proper feed and cleaned regularly. Feeders should be cleaned at least once every two weeks with soapy water and rinsed in a 10 percent bleach solution. Feeding birds responsibly can be a fun and safe activity. However, if you attract nuisance species (such as bears or sandhill cranes), you must stop feeding until these animals are no longer visiting your property. Intentionally attracting listed species to a feeder is prohibited.
Visit these page for more information on cleaning bird feeders and bird feeder diseases:
This is becoming a big issue here in Halifax Plantation. Deer are being fed and many have been hit by cars. There was also an issue of a deer jumping into an enclosed pool/screen area. The deer had to be put down after getting hurt bad and causing a lot of damage to the home.
If you feed the wild animals you are not helping them!
Please notify the HOA office if you know that someone is feeding the wild animals.
Thanks,
Peggy Thiem Bodenrader
CAM42355 CRC1328741
Notary Public
Halifax Plantation Phase II & III Homeowners’ Association Inc
3500 Merritt Drive
Ormond Beach, FL 32174
386-275-1087
HalifaxPlantationPhase2HOA.com