The Arizona Game and Fish Department is reminding residents to be aware that some Halloween decorations attract wildlife when displayed outside.
AZGFD said pumpkins, as well as gourds or squash, attract wildlife like coyotes, deers and even bears. The animals consider the decorations food.
AZGFD recommends that pumpkins and cornucopias be displayed indoors or on window sills to be seen from outside, and then discarded properly to help prevent encounters with wildlife.
Habituating wildlife to a human food source inevitably leads to conflicts with people and can result in serious harm in some cases,” said Urban Wildlife Specialist Locana de Souza of Game and Fish in Tucson. “Furthermore, unintentional or intentional feeding can cause problems for wildlife, such as obesity and malnutrition, and promote the spread of disease.”
For ways to minimize conflicts with wildlife, click here.
