Page 13 - The Islander - November '20

The Islander, Page 13

northern notes

Please Don’t Feed Wildlife

By Katie Roundtree, Finance Director, Northern Palm Beach County Improvement District

As temperatures in This practice also inevitably leads to unnatural a remedy. In communities with a homeowner’s association,
Florida start to drop in the concentrations of animals, both wild and domestic, looking residents may apply remedies available to them through the
fall, people and animals will for a handout. Wild animals are thus conditioned to association.
be outside more often in the associate humans with a feeding opportunity and the results The FWC’s advice to anyone who enjoys wildlife is to
daylight hours, creating are predictable – animals become a nuisance to property keep it wild! For those who enjoy viewing wildlife, the
the potential for contact owners. Artificially high concentrations of wildlife found at safest and most effective way to attract animals is to provide
and conflicts. Throughout feeding stations also increase the transmission of diseases good wildlife habitat. This is best accomplished through
the years, The Florida Fish that normally occur in low concentrations. the use of native vegetation. The FWC has publications
and Wildlife Conservation Feeding wildlife is generally discouraged and, in some online with information on developing your own backyard
Com m i ssi on (FW C ) cases, illegal. In Florida, it is illegal to feed gopher tortoises, wildlife refuge. For those without Internet service, copies
receives many complaints sandhill cranes, bears, raccoons, foxes, manatees and or more information about planting a backyard refuge may
regarding wildlife causing alligators. Intentionally placing food or garbage, allowing be obtained by calling or writing your nearest FWC regional
damage to private property or creating a public safety the placement of food or garbage, or offering food or office. (Source: www.myFWC.com)
issue. Many complaints are the result of communities garbage in such a manner that it attracts black bears, foxes, NPDES Tip: Please pick up after your pet. When pet
where intentional feeding of wildlife is tolerated or where raccoons, gopher tortoises or sandhill cranes and thereby waste is washed into lakes or canals the waste decays, using
domestic animals are fed outdoors. creates a public nuisance is prohibited. up oxygen and sometimes releasing ammonia. Low oxygen
Whenever such conflicts arise, wildlife loses. While Because people establish an emotional connection with levels and ammonia combined with warm temperatures can
the species involved in each of these cases may be wildlife that they feed, these situations often prove difficult kill fish. Pet waste also contains nutrients that encourage
different, the issue is always the same. Concerned and to resolve, because they involve changing peoples’ attitudes weed and algae growth. Overly fertile water becomes cloudy
well-intentioned individuals start feeding wildlife, often and behaviors. Fortunately, educating individuals how to and green – unattractive for boating and fishing. Perhaps
without regard for the quantity or types of feed being responsibly attract wildlife often resolves the problem. most importantly, pet waste carries diseases which make
offered. Wild animals have a complicated diet with specific Communities can pursue a variety of approaches to affect water unsafe.
needs. If people feed them “treats,” they may
not get the correct balance of nutrients to
keep them healthy. All wild creatures have
evolved over the millennia with an instinct
to locate and eat a diet best suited to their
own digestive systems. Thus, they have a
specific niche in the wild community where
they feed and live in balance with all other
species. This balance is interfered with when
well-intentioned people feed what they think
is a healthy diet to wildlife.

THANKFUL FEAST S BY THE SEA

CELEBRATE THANKSGIVING AT 3800 OCEAN
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2020

THANKSGIVING BREAKFAST

Served 7 a.m.-11 a.m.
Prix fixe Adults – $35; Kids ages 3-12 – $12 (under age 3 eat free)

Featuring family-style pastries, breads, and accoutrements for
the table; and individual entrée selections and kids’ entrée items.

THANKSGIVING BRUNCH/DINNER
Served 12 p.m.-9 p.m.
Prix fixe Adults – $85; Kids ages 3-12 – $15 (under age 3 eat free)
Includes a traditional, yet carefully curated, family-style feast;
including main course options like roasted turkey, prime rib of beef,
lobster-stuffed grouper, sugar-glazed ham, or butternut gnocchi.
Starters, accompaniments, and seasonal mini desserts also included.
Seasonal cocktails and an a la carte seafood tower menu also
available; additional charge applies.

CALL TO RESERVE YOUR
FAMILY- STYLE FEAST.
561.340.1795

Reservations strongly recommended. Tax and gratuity not included.
Complimentary valet parking for restaurant patrons.

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