The Villages District Office is reminding residents that Florida’s diverse landscapes support a wide variety of wildlife. However, urban development has altered natural habitats, bringing animals closer to residential communities and businesses.
Although feeding wildlife may seem harmless, it can cause animals to lose natural foraging behaviors, gather in large numbers and become too comfortable around people, negatively affecting public safety and ecosystem health.
Residents and visitors are encouraged to enjoy Florida’s wildlife from a safe distance and to comply with the provisions of Florida Statute 379.412, which regulates the feeding of certain wildlife species…