Feeding wildlife has recently become a public health and safety issue for people in Bowling Green. It has always been a health and safety issue for wildlife.
Wildlife experts from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources came to Bowling Green. They observed what was happening in town and said it was dangerous for the community and for wildlife.
I have two children. One is four, one has disabilities and uses a wheelchair. I don’t think either one of them could fight off a wild turkey. They should not have to. The aggressive behavior from our local wild turkeys was determined by experts from ODNR to be a result of feeding. They identified properties extensively feeding. They recommended an ordinance.
ODNR also gave the City a lengthy list of the dangers to wildlife posed by feeding. It can change animal behavior. Prevent young animals from learning to properly forage resulting in reliance on humans. It leads to an unnatural concentration of animals and mixing of species which can lead to disease spread and aggressive competition for the easily available food.
When people have been told by wildlife experts what they are doing is harmful to wildlife and they insist on continuing, I find it hard to believe they are doing it for any reason other than their own entertainment.
The City does not have a responsibility to provide entertainment. It does have a responsibility to protect health and safety. The safety of people, property, and wildlife should take priority.
City Attorney Hunter Brown has made it clear plantings, landscaping, gardens, and bird feeders do not violate the ordinance. He has suggested an intent component be added with the word “knowingly,” protecting those who have the occasional animal get into a bird feeder.
Now that the purpose and intent of this ordinance has been explained, I support it with Mr. Brown’s recommended changes. I hope City Council will too. Please consider sharing your support with them through phone or email.
Katelyn Elliott
Reformed squirrel corn feeder
