Stonebridge Condos

Hello everyone.
It’s come to the Condo Boards attention that we have had some residents feeding the local wild life. Unfortunately this has lead to animal control needing to be brought in for some unwanted visitors.

Help Keep Wildlife Wild  

Edmontonians take great pride in their parks and natural areas, many of which provide  opportunities for encounters with wild animals and birds. To help preserve the health of our  wildlife and prevent the overpopulation of certain species in our parks, the City is reminding  residents to refrain from feeding wild animals and birds, particularly geese. 

You might be asking why feeding wild birds or waterfowl is harmful. Here are a few reasons  why we ask for your co-operation. 

Avoid Overpopulation 

Feeding waterfowl can lead to overpopulation in urban parks and can have a negative impact  on our environment. 

• Large numbers of waterfowl in one area can damage the natural environment. It can  contribute to over-grazing, trampled vegetation, and soil erosion in our parks. 

• Excess uneaten food can spoil, which can poison wildlife and lead to bacterial growth in  the water. 

Keep them Healthy 

Feeding waterfowl can negatively impact their health and survival. 

• Waterfowl lose their natural fear of humans, which is crucial to their survival and the  maintenance of their instinctual behaviors. Animals that retain wild characteristics have  higher rates of survival in urban settings as they do not depend on hand-outs for food  and shelter. 

• Overcrowding of geese increases their stress & susceptibility to infections and diseases.  Examples include Cryptosporidiosis (which can also affect humans), viruses, and  parasites.

• Feeding waterfowl can cause dietary and digestive problems for the birds. 

• Most handouts, such as stale bread, crackers and pastries, have little nutritional value  and can contribute to malnutrition. 

• Feeding waterfowl disrupts natural behaviour, leading to dependency on humans for  food and delayed migration. 

Keep everyone Safe 

Feeding waterfowl increases physical and medical risks for humans. 

• Geese approaching humans for food can become extremely aggressive, which raises  safety concerns. 

• Large concentrations of waterfowl can lead to increased fecal matter in the surrounding  water and on the landscape. Increased feces are not just a sanitation issue, but can lead  to a variety of diseases and water pollution. 

• Excess feed may attract other species, such as mice, voles, squirrels, and pigeons. The City of Edmonton is committed to protecting our valued green spaces and the wildlife that  call them home. Together, we can ensure a healthy, natural environment.