Most Walmarts have big parking lots for their customers; the Walmart near my home is particularly huge. It does not only accommodate hundreds of cars but also hundreds of birds. All kinds of birds, big and small, you name it. Now and then, people would stop by and feed them. Not just shoppers from Walmart, some people intentionally drive by and drop some food for the birds. The birds are so used to the scenario and expected to be fed. If you park near them, the birds will gather around your car, expecting a treat from you.
Well, no matter how cute the little birds are, we can no longer feed them nowadays. Starting April 1, new regulations will become law making it illegal to feed wildlife or leave food out to attract animals on both public and private properties across Toronto. At this time, the fine in place for that offence is $365. For more details on this Animals Bylaw, please visit https://www.toronto.ca/community-people/animals-pets/wildlife-in-the-city/feeding-wildlife/
According to this Bylaw, “Feeding songbirds on your property is permitted, providing your bird feeder is kept in a sanitary condition and does not act as an attractant to other wildlife.” Realistically, it wouldn’t seem to work. Squirrels are smart enough to get seeds from the bird feeder. In the past, we tried using squirrel-proof bird feeder and squirrel baffle. Our nearby squirrels are like skilled ninjas; they would still jump up, hang themselves upside down, and pick up seeds from the feeder. So, for us, the feeders are gone for good.
As of today, I can still see people feeding birds in Walmart’s parking lot. If you are the officer giving out tickets, you can hand out quite a few every hour. For violations of feeding wildlife, it is easy to file a report online; visit this link https://www.toronto.ca/home/311-toronto-at-your-service/create-a-service-request/#category/animals-insects-and-pests/bylaw-enforcement-request. Once submitted, 311 will follow up and probe the area.
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