Do Not Feed Wildlife

 

Do not feed the birds white bread. Certain death will follow, the article cautions. What are they talking about, I wondered? As I read this provocative column from our local newspaper, I was shocked to learn the horrific truth of our stupidity. Are we ever going to learn? Are we ever going to stop?

Canada geese and other birds are falling prey to a dreaded disease called angel wing syndrome arising from eating white bread in this modern world. White bread is not a great snack at the best of times. In a post written years earlier, I wrote about the industry responsible for baking our bread. Once upon a time, in the 50's, it took a day or more to produce a loaf of white bread. Now it is ready for sale in mere hours. Additives, preservatives and other softening agents have been added for that perfect loaf of bread. Animals' diets do not include processed white bread. It probably should not be in our diet either but at least we have choice.

Birds with the tell tale white wings are earmarked for death. They simply can't fly. It is what they do to live. In fully mature birds the condition is irreversible. Unable to fly, these victims of processed white bread are now prey to coyotes, foxes and other predators able to catch them. 'They are sitting 'ducks'! Unable to source their food and carry it away, these ill birds are doomed to die a painful death - starvation - as their own species ostracizes them in the process. Sending these birds to an animal sanctuary is an option but takes time and money, commodities always in short supply.

I kept reading. Whenever we have food to give to the outdoor, it was bananas, watermelon and other like minded food. Animals deserve the best of what we eat - healthy food sourced by 'mom' of nature herself. Throwing away junk food harms precious wild life who will eat whatever is lying around. Starvation has no standard. And neither do we, it would seem!