FEEDING the ducks might seem like a nice thing to do, but it could cause them more harm than good.
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The City of Bunbury has reminded the community not to feed waterbirds after several recent reports of people feeding ducks at the Big Swamp parkland.
Many people remember the childhood pastime of visiting the local wetland to feed the ducks with fondness.
However, this seemingly harmless activity can have negative impacts on wildlife.
“Feeding wildlife such as waterbirds can result in changes to their behaviour, for example, the creation of dependency on people for food and aggression towards people and other animals,” City of Bunbury sustainability team leader Ben Deeley said.
“It can also result in health problems for wildlife through over-crowding and the transfer of diseases.”
The City has also received reports of people feeding corellas – an introduced species of bird – which is hampering the City’s efforts to control the population.
The City has asked residents to observe rather than feed wildlife to help keep it wild and healthy.