Feeding wildlife

Territorians share their backyards and neighbourhoods with a range of native birds, mammals and reptiles.

Native animals have adapted to a diet over many years. 

Feeding wildlife foods they wouldn't usually eat can negatively impact the health of these animals by causing obesity, nutrient deficiency or disease.

Feeding wildlife can lead to unnatural population increases and can cause animals to lose their fear of people and become aggressive or a nuisance.

Animals that have been fed for a long time may become dependent on this food source, so that when you go away or move house, these animals may suffer because they have lost the instinct to fend for themselves.

Help native animals in your backyard

Rather than encouraging native animals to come into your yard by feeding them you can do any of the following:

• plant native trees and shrubs 
• provide nesting boxes or hollow logs for birds and mammals 
• install a birdbath or pond. 

If you do plan to encourage wildlife into your backyard make sure dogs and cats are controlled, especially during the night when most native mammals are active. 

This will provide a safe haven for native wildlife without posing a risk to the animals, yourself or other members of the community.