Be careful when feeding: This is how you endanger the Harz fox!

Be careful when feeding: This is how you endanger the Harz fox!

In the picturesque landscapes of the Harz, which are known not only for their untouched nature but also for their charming towns, there is currently an important issue that affects not only local residents but also numerous holidaymakers. Forester Mathias Aßmann urgently warns against the practice of feeding foxes. At a holiday resort, a holidaymaker observed neighbors feeding the fox, which led to heated discussions. News38 reports that such behavior not only harms the animals, but also poses dangers.

Aßmann explains that although foxes are not directly dangerous to humans, feeding them can have fatal consequences for the animals. By feeding on humans, these wild animals lose their natural shyness and could end up in dangerous situations, such as cars. In addition, such feeding can lead to foxes making pets such as chickens or rabbits easy prey.

Risks of feeding

The negative effects of feeding wild animals are diverse and should not be underestimated. An incorrect diet can cause health problems, disrupt natural behavior and, last but not least, endanger the ecological balance. In urban areas, where foxes are increasingly appearing - helped by a loss of their natural habitats - the temptation to offer food to these clever and adaptable animals is great. wildlife world emphasizes that a little pity or admiration for the adaptability of these animals cannot justify feeding them.

Foxes are omnivores that do not require human help. In the past they were considered a threat to poultry, but today the anthropomorphization of these animals is increasing. However, not only can feeding lead to obesity and other health problems, it also increases the risk of attracting more wildlife, which can lead to illness and aggression.

Legal aspects and behavior

In Germany there are legal regulations that strictly restrict the feeding of wild animals. Depending on the federal state, violations can have legal consequences. In order to act responsibly towards foxes, keeping your distance is part of their natural behavior. This is even more important because foxes can carry diseases such as fox tapeworm or rabies.

To avoid the problems that can result from feeding, Aßmann recommends that animal owners secure their enclosures and leave the animals alone. It is also important to focus more on education. So could that too Living Green platform could not be more important in raising public awareness of the significant challenges posed by urbanization and habitat loss for wildlife.

The preservation of green spaces in urban regions is essential for the quality of life of both people and animals. Wild animals that adapt to urban living conditions not only play a role in the ecosystem, but also enrich city life in many ways. Therefore, the responsible treatment of wild animals is of utmost importance in order to prevent future conflicts and promote harmonious coexistence.