Feeding Wildlife Policy

Bedford has a no feeding of wildlife ordinance in effect.

Many people enjoy feeding ducks that surround Generations Park at Boys Ranch, but the effects of this seemingly generous act can be harmful. Parks and Recreation staff work hard to keep a thriving eco-system in place with plenty of natural food sources for all lake wildlife. Help us keep this a safe and thriving home for the present and future generations of ducks, geese, turtles, and more.

Problems With Artificial Feeding

  • Food attracts more than just ducks. Feeding ducks attracts rats, pests, and predators that kill ducks and endanger humans.
  • Rotting food pollutes the water and breeds deadly diseases and parasites.
  • When ducks and geese feed on scattered corn or bread, they eat in the same place where they defecate. This is not healthy for the ducks. In addition, large concentrations of waterfowl facilitate the spread of disease. Diseases generally not transmissible in a wild setting find overcrowded and unsanitary conditions very favorable.
  • The New York Department of Environmental Conservation lists that "most waterfowl die-offs in the past 10 years have involved artificial feeding."
  • Uneaten food quickly forms a deadly mold called Aspergillus that can be fatal to ducks. The problems associated with the virus, Duck Virus Enteritis, is exacerbated by artificial feeding.
  • Ducks that are overfed can lead to an artificially large duck population that is too large for a lake to naturally support. Large duck populations can create dangerous amounts of waste that is harmful to the fish and turtles.
  • Corn may seem okay for ducks, but fish cannot digest it. Seeds cause severe cramping pains in ducks.

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