Travelers at Harz commit serious blunders - "Potentially hazardous oversights"
The picturesque towns and untouched landscapes of the Harz region, a popular holiday destination, have become a home for wild foxes. However, the feeding of these animals by locals and vacationers may have serious consequences, according to Mathias Aßmann, a forester and spokesperson for the Lower Saxony State Forest.
Aßmann spoke to News38 about the issue, explaining that feeding foxes can lead to negative effects on the animals' behavior and survival. When foxes lose their natural fear of humans, they are more likely to approach people and populated areas, which can cause problems for both wildlife and humans. This behavioral change can disrupt the foxes' natural foraging behavior and negatively impact the local ecosystem.
The feeding of foxes is a common occurrence in the Harz, with vacationers sharing stories on social media such as observing a fox being fed by neighbors in a vacation complex. Aßmann warns that feeding foxes increases the risk that they will attack chickens or rabbits in nearby pens.
To prevent foxes from entering enclosures, animal owners are recommended to secure their enclosures sufficiently. Aßmann emphasizes that foxes are still wild animals and there are good reasons why they should not be near humans. Over time, a fox that is fed by humans can lose its natural fear of humans, leading to greater risks such as being run over by a car.
Aßmann does not mention any direct danger of foxes to humans, but emphasizes the risks associated with them being too close to humans. By being fed by humans, a fox develops a bond with humans that can be its downfall. Feeding foxes can potentially be dangerous for domestic animals as well.
The Lower Saxony State Forest is one of the regions in the Harz, and Aßmann is its forester and spokesperson. Aßmann explains that animal love should have limits and urges people not to feed the animals to keep it that way. Despite not being aware of any critical incidents with foxes, Aßmann emphasizes the importance of maintaining a safe distance between humans and wild animals.
The Harz region offers a high level of biodiversity, which can be a novelty for city dwellers. However, it is essential to remember that wild animals should be left in their natural habitat to maintain a balance in the ecosystem. By feeding wild animals, we may unintentionally disrupt this balance and put both the animals and ourselves at risk.
Recklessly feeding foxes in the home-and-garden setting or during leisure activities in the Harz region can have detrimental effects on the local lifestyle, potentially endangering both wildlife and pets. As Aßmann astutely points out, this action can alter the foxes' behavior, leading to increased chances of conflict, adversely impacting local ecosystems, and possibly posing risks to domesticated animals.
