Wyoming Game, Fish Advises Residents to Dispose of Pumpkins Properly
The Wyoming Game and Fish Department is urging residents to dispose of leftover Halloween pumpkins in the trash, rather than leaving them outside for wildlife, Oil City News reports.
Though it may seem harmless, leaving pumpkins out can harm animals, particularly mule deer, which cannot digest unnatural foods effectively, leading to illness. Pumpkins left outdoors can also attract scavengers like raccoons and even bears, posing additional risks to both animals and residents.
“This time of year, we receive many calls about sick deer fawns, and much of this is due to deer consuming foods that provide little nutrition and are difficult for them to digest… These unnatural foods make wildlife more susceptible to parasites and diseases,”said Breanna Ball, the department’s public information officer.
To protect local wildlife, residents are also encouraged to follow local feeding ordinances, as feeding wildlife is prohibited in many Wyoming areas. For additional information, Game and Fish suggests residents check local regulations.
The department also provided guidelines for protecting wildlife during the fall season:
- Remove outdoor obstacles like hammocks, soccer nets, and tomato cages, and keep holiday lights out of reach.
- Leash and confine pets to prevent them from disturbing wildlife.
- Drive cautiously, especially at dawn and dusk, to avoid accidents involving migrating animals.
- Maintain wildlife-friendly fences and open gates when possible to facilitate animal movement.
By disposing of pumpkins and following these tips, residents can play a role in safeguarding Wyoming’s wildlife during the colder months.
