How does feeding harm the ducks?
• NON-MIGRATION Waterfowl migrate to search for food and a more moderate climate. Park visitors have encouraged waterfowl to remain due to abundant, unnatural feeding, causing overpopulation. • OVERPOPULATION A concentrated population of domestic waterfowl competes with natives for the natural resources and causes damage. The crowded conditions promote avian diseases. • AVIAN DISEASES Crowded conditions support the transmission of disease, primarily duck viral enteritis, fowl cholera and botulism. While on migratory layover, wild fowl risk contracting localized disease. When they fly out, they can spread disease to previously unaffected areas. • INTERBREEDING When feral, domestic fowl commingle with the native population, hybridization occurs. The genetically altered offspring are often flightless, contributing to non-migration and overpopulation. • PHYSICAL DAMAGE Domestic gees are primarily grazers. Due to their large numbers, portions of the lawns and shrubs have been sheared to the
