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Keep Animals WILD & HEALTHY
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Do not feed or handle animals
Many people find it enjoyable to go to a park to feed the waterfowl and other animals. Some catch frogs to take home. Others leave unwanted pets in the parks. These activities may seem harmless, but in fact, they can be very harmful to wildlife. The greatest threats to wildlife in Lake Metroparks are caused by humans.
Animals congregate in areas where they are fed, causing several problems. They exceed the carrying capacity of their habitats and become overcrowded. High levels of fecal material are concentrated in one area, which causes unsanitary conditions for animals and people. ................................................................................Photo by Dave Mills
Diseases can be passed from one animal to another when .areas are overcrowded.Processed foods such as bread, popcorn and cereal are “junk food” to wild animals. They lack many of the nutrients the animals need in order to stay healthy. Please help animals stay wild and healthy.
Do not feed them!
Wild animals that are hand-fed can lose their natural instincts to migrate and search for food. They become dependent on humans for food and lose their healthy fear of them. Hand-fed animals lose their ability to care for themselves.
Domesticated animals harm park habitats, property and even visitors. They can spread serious diseases and harm wildlife. If you ? nd a stray or have a pet that you can no longer care for, contact the Lake County Humane Society at
440-951-6122.
The mission of the Wildlife Center is to reduce human impact on native Ohio wildlife through education and rehabilitation. Each year, nearly 2,000 injured or orphaned animals receive first aid and rehabilitation at the Wildlife Center. Patients include backyard wildlife like rabbits and songbirds and endangered species like peregrine falcons and bald eagles. Many eventually recover from their injuries and resume their lives in the wild.
The Kevin P. Clinton Wildlife Center is home to permanently injured Animal Ambassadors such as reptiles, mammals and birds of prey. These animals assist staff in teaching about wildlife issues and conservation. Visit the Wildlife Yard to get an up-close look at all of the amazing animals! The yard is open 9 am to 5 pm daily.
When visiting natural areas, many people search for wild animals. It’s exciting to see an unusual bird or animal in its natural environment. There are several ways to safely observe and learn about wild animals in Lake Metroparks without harming them.
Check out the current issue of Parks Plus! and check the calendar of events for nature programs. Go on an owl prowl or look for bats, frogs or other wildlife. Join a naturalist on a guided walk and learn more about the wildlife in Lake County.
Get close to wildlife through volunteering! Lake Metroparks volunteers help wildlife by surveying animals and birds through Citizen Science projects, restoring and maintaining habitats and caring for animals at the Kevin P. Clinton Wildlife Center. For more information, visit lakemetroparks.com or call the volunteer program manager at 440-585-3418.
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Many people find it enjoyable to go to a park to feed the waterfowl and other animals. Some catch frogs to take home. Others leave unwanted pets in the parks. These activities may seem harmless, but in fact, they can be very harmful to wildlife. The greatest threats to wildlife in Lake Metroparks are caused by humans. 
