Squirrel eating from a bird feeder near the Food & Nutrition Building

Humans are often fascinated by animals–particularly with animals that are not encountered on a daily basis, which leads people to find ways that would allow them to interact with animals up close. Wildlife feeding gives us the opportunity to easily observe animals at a close distance, while also providing animals the benefit of free and accessible food. Some people argue that wildlife feeding is very harmful to animals and humans, while others justify their act of wildlife feeding as a way of enhancing the animal’s survival.

How can something so simple be harmful to wild animals? Explore the page to find out!