Foxes in the Harz: Why feeding is dangerous and forbidden!

Foxes in the Harz: Why feeding is dangerous and forbidden!

In the picturesque Harz National Park there are not only breathtaking landscapes and dreamy places to discover, but also colorful wildlife. Encounters with foxes and kingfishers are particularly popular with hikers. But while nature makes the hearts of many outdoor enthusiasts beat faster, there is a shadow over this idyllic picture: feeding wild animals, especially foxes, is a recurring theme. Loud News38 Many hikers ignore the express prohibitions in the region.

Whether it's pretzels, walnuts or other snacks, travelers from near and far often don't seem to understand that their well-intentioned gifts cause more harm than good. Henning Möller, head of the national park guard, warns urgently: “Feeding foxes can be dangerous.” This also confirms that Harz National Park. The animals' fear of people can be lost, which leads to foxes finding themselves in dangerous situations, such as near parking lots or even roads. A circumstance that not only endangers the well-being of the foxes, but also threatens the safety of people.

Creeping loss of nature

Proper behavior around wild animals is a delicate matter. Jasper Tramp of the National Park's wildlife management makes it clear: Regular feeding undermines the most important lessons about survival in the wild. Foxes could become "problem animals" that may need to be killed if they no longer learn to feed themselves. “Unsuitable food,” explains Tramp, “poses health risks, especially for young foxes.” Spreading food also leads to an increased risk of illness and infection from parasites or viruses.

Interestingly, it's not just foxes that are affected. Many other wild animals, such as deer and hedgehogs, often benefit from careless feeding. The Animal Welfare Association points out that many people have a desire to help wild animals. Often this happens out of an impulse that they feel during a walk in the forest or in parks. However, it should be noted that most wild animals do not need additional food and can best fend for themselves in their natural environment.

Education instead of punishment

The national park administration relies on education instead of immediately resorting to punishment. Many visitors show a willingness to follow the instructions, but there are also repeat offenders. They could potentially be fined if they continue to violate the rules. Rangers inform hikers about the dangers of feeding and try to create understanding for nature. The national park appeals to everyone to observe foxes from a distance and to avoid feeding them to protect the animals and themselves.

The Harz remains a popular destination for nature lovers, and with a little more consideration for the natural habits of wildlife, these valuable encounters could be preserved for a long time to come. The protection of the animal world is important to all of us - a harmonious coexistence between humans and animals is not a utopia if we believe in it and behave accordingly.