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Foxes in the Harz: Why feeding is dangerous for the cute animals!
Family vacation in the Harz: Foxes get close to people. Warning about feeding to protect wildlife and prevent disease.
Foxes in the Harz: Why feeding is dangerous for the cute animals!
The holiday season in the Harz attracts numerous holidaymakers, and a family from the region has decided to stay in the picturesque Rotacker holiday home settlement in Hasselfelde. However, during her stay she became embroiled in a controversy that points to the need to respect wild animals in their natural behavior. The family observed a fox strolling through the settlement and looking for food in the garden of the holiday complex. A video of this situation, which was shared by the vacationer in a Facebook group in the Harz, caused a lot of interest and discussion. In the post, she criticized the neighbors who gave the fox food and reminded the community that it is common knowledge not to feed wild animals to preserve their natural shyness. This view received a lot of support in the comments, with one user noting that the fox returns regularly for feeding.
Feeding wild animals, especially foxes, is not only unwise but can also have serious consequences. The Harz National Park Administration has repeatedly pointed out that feeding reduces the animals' natural fear of people. Henning Möller, head of the national park guard, explains that many young foxes learn to survive on their own in the summer months and often end up on busy paths and parking lots where they are attracted by people. Regular feeding can cause these foxes to lose their natural food intake and end up in problematic situations, such as roadsides. This can be dangerous not only for the foxes, but also for drivers who unexpectedly encounter a wild animal.
Health risks and legal framework conditions
But it's not just the endangerment of animals that is worrying. Unsuitable food can cause health problems, especially for young animals, and increase the risk of parasitic and viral infections. Additionally, it is important to know that feeding wildlife outside of emergency times is legally prohibited. In both Saxony-Anhalt and Lower Saxony, high fines can be imposed if this ban is ignored.
The National Park Service takes a holistic approach to educate visitors and encourage them to observe foxes and other wildlife from a distance without feeding them. In many cases, visitors show understanding for this concern. However, in problematic situations where feeding continues to be practiced, punishment can also be imposed.
The discussion about feeding wild animals in the Harz shows how important it is to promote correct behavior in nature. Animal welfare should always come first, and the natural balance of our environment must be protected - for the benefit of humans and animals.