MOSSEL BAY NEWS - The Dana Bay Conservancy has asked locals and holidaymakers alike to refrain from feeding wildlife, not just here in Mossel Bay, but wherever they are in the country.

In a recent Facebook post, the conservancy said its members had seen several social media posts of late of people feeding wild animals.

The Dana Bay Conservancy's chairperson, Erika van der Westhuizen, said whether people feed wildlife on purpose or by accident, the act of giving wild animals food can lead to a number of issues.

She said some of the problems that arise from feeding wildlife include the animals learning to frequent roadsides and gardens, dramatically increasing their chances of being run over. 

Wildlife also has a very specific natural diet, and human food can interfere with the bacteria in their digestive tracts.

Animals cannot distinguish between food and food wrappers, and swallowing litter leads to them falling ill.

"Feeding wild animals leads to public health concerns. Too many animals in one place increases the chance of disease transmission to people and among other wildlife," said Van der Westhuizen.

Animals accustomed to people often lose their fear of them and can become aggressive. 

Those that become too aggressive may have to be killed to protect people and property.

"Many people enjoy living near and watching wildlife. You can help keep animals wild by keeping the following tips in mind," she said. 

These tips include not feeding or leaving food out for wildlife, not leaving scraps in the garden, making sure your compost bins are closed and using metal or plastic trash containers with tight-fitting lids.

If you have fruit trees in your garden, try to harvest or dispose of the fruit as they turn ripe.

"Please help to keep our wildlife wild and healthy, and remember that human food is not healthy for them," she said. 

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