ARIZONA NEWS

Arizona wildlife officials warn about Halloween pumpkins attracting wildlife

Oct 8, 2024, 4:45 AM

Wildlife eating Halloween pumpkin...

Officials warned the public about wildlife eating Halloween pumpkins. (Arizona Game and Fish Department)

(Arizona Game and Fish Department)

PHOENIX — The Arizona Game and Fish Department is warning residents that Halloween pumpkins (as well as other fall decorations such as gourds and squash) attract wildlife.

“Javelina, coyotes, deer and even bears eat some of the vegetables that are part of traditional holiday displays,” Regional Supervisor Raul Vega of Game and Fish in Tucson said in a press release. “When displayed outdoors, they may attract wildlife to homes, potentially creating conflicts with people.”

What can you do to prevent wildlife from eating Halloween pumpkins?

Authorities urged the public to keep their jack-o-lanterns and cornucopias indoors and in windowsills instead of on the ground outside. Artificial pumpkins are another alternative as opposed to natural pumpkins.

In addition, pumpkins and other decorations should be disposed of properly (and securely) to keep wildlife from rummaging through trash containers.

“Habituating wildlife to a human food source inevitably leads to conflicts with people and can result in serious harm in some cases,” Urban Wildlife Specialist Locana de Souza of Game
and Fish in Tucson said in a release. “Furthermore, unintentional or intentional feeding can cause problems for wildlife, such as obesity and malnutrition and promote the spread of disease.”

Excluding birds and tree squirrels, it is against the law the feed wildlife in Pima, Maricopa and Pinal counties. Violators can pay up to $300 in fines as a punishment.

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Arizona wildlife officials warn about Halloween pumpkins attracting wildlife