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A Comprehensive Review of the Ecological and Human Social Effects of Artificial Feeding and Baiting of Wildlife

Review of the ecological and human social effects of artificial feeding and baiting of wildlife In recent years, events within Canada and the United States have drawn attention to potential negative consequences of feeding and baiting wild animals, especially enhanced transmission of infectious diseases such as bovine tuberculosis and chronic wasting disease. This report was prepared to gather available science-based information on the ecological and human social effects of artificial feeding and baiting of wildlife into one readily accessible document. The contracting agencies, Parks Canada and Saskatchewan Environment, recognize that an objective review of existing literature may help to answer questions and concerns within and outside the agencies, and help to guide subsequent decision-making concerning management and research pertaining to feeding and baiting. Although the objectives for artificial feeding and baiting with feed often differ, the effects of these practices are considered together. In essence, both provide natural or artificial food for wildlife at specific locations in the environment. Significant ecological effects of providing feed to wildlife have been documented through observation and experimentation at the individual, population, and community levels. In Saskatchewan and Manitoba, the increased potential for disease transmission and outbreak is perhaps of greatest and immediate concern. Nevertheless, even if spread of disease is prevented, other significant ecological concerns exist. Disruption of animal movement patterns and spatial distribution, alteration of community structure with reduced diversity and abundance, the introduction and invasion of exotic plant species, and general degradation of habitat are all major negative effects that have been documented at different locations throughout North America. Although information gaps exist, current information appears sufficient to conclude that the potential for negative ecological effects as a result of providing food to wildlife through artificial feeding or baiting is high. Nevertheless, our current understanding of the specific mechanisms operating between cause (feeding or baiting) and effect is often too crude to allow accurate prediction of the nature or magnitude of effect. The human social effects of providing food to wildlife concern numerous issues (economics, human safety, wildlife ownership, etc.), and perceptions regarding specific issues can be quite disparate. The science-based information is limited in part because philosophical differences lie at the root of many of the issues and science is not the appropriate tool for resolution, e.g., science cannot determine whether hunting over bait is ethical or not. Review of the ecological and human social effects of artificial feeding and …