Is It Illegal To Feed & Care For Wildlife In New York State?

Recently, my dog got a hold of a baby bunny in our backyard. Although he didn't kill it, he had the bunny in his mouth. Ultimately the bunny got loose and hopped back into the woods. The next day, the same bunny showed up in front of our garage. I wanted to feed it but my wife said that he needed to learn how to live on its own.

So what are the New York State laws about feeding and caring for wildlife?

In New York State, we often wonder if it's okay to feed and take care of the wildlife that visits their homes. While there's no straight-up law saying you can't, experts from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) say it's not a good idea.

Feeding wild animals might seem kind, but it can mess with their natural ways of finding food. It can also bring in unwanted guests like raccoons, skunks, or even bears! Plus, some critters are protected by laws, so interfering with them or their homes could get you in trouble.

If you stumble upon a hurt or lost wild animal, it's best to call experts who know how to take care of them. Trying to help on your own might end up making things worse for the animal and could even break the law.

Feeding wildlife can also lead to health issues. It might attract pests like mice or spread diseases among the animals. And if wild animals get used to people feeding them, they might get too comfortable and even become a danger to humans or pets.

Instead of putting out snacks, you can help wildlife by making your yard a cozy spot for them to live. Planting bushes and trees they like, providing water, and leaving some natural food sources can give them what they need without causing problems. So, while it might seem nice to feed the critters, it's usually best to let them fend for themselves.