Birdfeeders can pose risk to some wildlife

Two recent incidents of bears getting stuck in feeders

SPOONER, Wis. -- People who feed birds, squirrels and other wild animals should be aware that certain feeding machines can accidentally kill other wildlife. A couple of incidents in northwestern Wisconsin recently involving bear cubs getting their heads stuck in bird feeders had near tragic endings.

“Luckily, in one case the mother was able to get the feeder off her cub’s head and in the other instance we had to trap and put the mother and cub to sleep and then take the feeder off,” said Wildlife Technician, Robert Hanson. In both incidents, he said, the feeders were on tight and the cubs were clearly in distress.

The feeders Hanson dealt with were made of plastic, had a screw on type feed holder with a base that measured about four inches across. When separated from the seed or food extraction device the hole was big enough for the cub to force its head into it to get at the tasty seeds and jelly sugars inside.

Wildlife officials advise people to not feed birds or any other animals from spring to early winter. “Animals have adapted very well to finding food on there own,” Hanson said. He added that if people must feed for the enjoyment of observing wildlife, they should put all feeders on strong sturdy poles and over eight feet high, out of range for most bears.

The wildlife technician said that as summer progresses, bear cubs will grow big enough to avoid getting their heads stuck in most feeders, however, other smaller night raiders like raccoons and skunks can die from these devices.

“People should monitor their bird feeders and secure cans with bird seed in it so that wandering bears and other animals are not attracted to their yards,” Hanson said.

If people have screw on type feeders they should purchase new ones that will not inadvertently trap other animals, he suggested.