In an effort to protect the natural habitats and wildlife of the local area, a new ordinance has been introduced to prohibit the feeding of wildlife. The ordinance was recently approved by the Common Council and will take effect starting next month.

Feeding wildlife can cause harm to both the animals and the ecosystem. When people feed wildlife, it can disrupt natural feeding patterns and lead to overpopulation in certain areas. It can also cause animals to become dependent on human-provided food, which can make them more vulnerable to disease and other health issues.

Turkeys, coyotes, and other wildlife are a valuable part of our community, and we recognize that many people in our community enjoy the local wildlife. However, intentional feeding of wild animals can cause them to lose fear of humans and can result in habitation at close distances to humans. This can increase the risks of a negative interaction or aggressive behavior.

Exceptions to this rule

• You can still have a bird feeder, so long as the bird feeding device is at a certain height or designed in a way to prevent access by deer.
• You can have standing crops planted and left standing. 
• You can feed deer with less than 2 gallons of feeding material within 50 yards of any owner occupied residence or business.
• There is an exception for authorized programs such as the Humane Society's trap, neuter, and return, allowing feeding of animals in conjunction with such a program.

Education and enforcement

The City of Wauwatosa regularly shares tips on how to coexist peacefully with wildlife. The Health Department, Police Department, and Building & Safety Division have contact with residents and business owners about wildlife. Often, our messaging is proactive. Other times, we take enforcement action related to ground feeding or situations that violate our code of ordinances.