The Squirrel Whisperer's Guide to Nutty Legislation: Can You Feed Those Fuzzy Acrobats in New York?
Ah, the squirrels of New York. Those bushy-tailed bandits that scamper across our sidewalks, defying gravity with their parkour skills and leaving us both charmed and slightly terrified of being mugged for a peanut. But have you ever wondered, as you watch them stash away a rogue french fry, is it legal to feed these furry fiends? Buckle up, my friends, because we're about to delve into the fascinating, and sometimes frustrating, world of squirrel snacking regulations in the Empire State.
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| Can You Feed Squirrels In New York State |
The Big Nut: It's Generally a No-No
Here's the not-so-fun fact: according to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), intentionally feeding most wildlife, including squirrels, is a big no-no. The DEC frowns upon this for a few reasons:
- Unnatural Chow Down: Squirrels are resourceful critters, perfectly capable of finding food on their own. Feeding them throws a wrench into their natural diet, which can lead to health problems.
- Feeder Frenzy: Leaving out a steady supply of snacks can attract more squirrels than your local park can handle. This can lead to overcrowding, competition for resources, and even aggressive behavior.
- Disease Delight: Leftover food scraps can attract other animals, some of which might carry diseases that can be harmful to both humans and wildlife.
So, unless you're harboring dreams of opening a Central Park squirrel buffet (not recommended), it's best to admire these acrobatic snackers from afar.
Tip: Note one practical point from this post.
But Wait! There's a Nutty Nuance (for Birds Only)
There is a tiny loophole in this regulation. Bird feeders are okay, as long as you follow some basic guidelines:
- Seed Savvy: Use only high-quality birdseed or suet. Avoid leaving out scraps or junk food that can be unhealthy for our feathered friends.
- Cleanliness is Next to Godliness: Keep your feeders clean to prevent the spread of disease.
- Scattered Seed Strategy: Rake up any seed that falls to the ground to avoid attracting unwanted critters like, you guessed it, squirrels!
FAQ: Become a Squirrel Snacking Sage
Now that you're armed with this knowledge, you might still have some lingering questions. Fear not, my fellow nature enthusiast, for I have compiled a brief FAQ to solidify your squirrel snacking expertise:
QuickTip: Reading regularly builds stronger recall.
How to: Safely enjoy watching squirrels?
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- A. Find a park bench! Sit back, relax, and observe their antics.
How to: Take amazing pictures of squirrels?
QuickTip: Reading twice makes retention stronger.
- A. Patience is key! Move slowly, use a zoom lens, and capture their natural charm.
How to: Discourage squirrels from raiding your bird feeder?
- A. Squirrel baffles are your friend! These handy devices can prevent squirrels from climbing up and stealing all the seed.
How to: Help the local squirrel population?
Tip: Take mental snapshots of important details.
- A. Support your local parks! Healthy parks mean healthy habitats for all wildlife, including squirrels.
How to: Become a certified Squirrel Whisperer?
- A. There's no official certification (yet!), but years of squirrel observation and a deep appreciation for their fluffy cuteness will get you far.
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