AWARE News
Landmark Ordinance
for Wildlife and Georgia
On July 15, 2010 the Berkeley Lake (Gwinnett County) City Council unanimously approved the first ordinance of its kind in Georgia.
The ordinance was written and proposed by Elizabeth Nicholas, a licensed wildlife rehabilitator and wildlife specialist working with Michael Ellis, founder of AWARE, Atlanta Wild Animal Rescue Effort.
ORDINANCE 0-112-10
Feeding. It shall be unlawful for any person to provide feed in any manner to wildlife on public or private property within the corporate limits of Berkeley Lake.
- The only exceptions to this ordinance are for bird feeders and fish.
- Penalties are a warning citation for the first offense and a $1,000. fine for each recurring offense.
This ordinance is precedent setting for Georgia and as far as we know, the entire Southeast. It institutes protections for wildlife and man that are far reaching and long overdue.
An excerpt from Michael Ellis’ presentation to the city council is as follows:
People feed wildlife because they feel the animals will starve or simply because they enjoy seeing them. This will only result in negative consequences for the animals. They will become habituated to humans, which is dangerous. Additionally, the animals are lead to believe that the habitat will support more of their species than it actually does, so they overpopulate the area causing starvation, herd disease and death.
Feeding wildlife also teaches predators that they can find a much easier meal from humans than they can by hunting. As a result favorite prey species like rodents, rabbits, snakes, etc go unchecked and also over populate affecting the entire ecosystem negatively.
The ordinance has already created interest from neighboring municipalities concerned with protecting wildlife and the public.
The passage of this ordinance by the progressive city of Berkeley Lake signals the beginning of a new understanding and appreciation of what is best for the planet, its wildlife, and habitat and ultimately man.
For additional information contact Michael Ellis at (678) 418-1111 or visit www.awareone.org
The Urban Coyote
Coyotes now reside in every state and most neighborhoods from Canada to South America.
Our continued destruction of habitat has forced coyotes and most other wildlife to become urban dwellers.
- Coyotes are masters of adaptation and only want to coexist.
- We need not fear them if we simply understand their natural behaviors and react appropriately when we see them.
- People in western America have been peacefully coexisting with coyotes for many decades.
Are Coyotes Dangerous? You decide.
- Coyote attacks on humans: 14 per year average
- Dog attacks on humans: 4.7 million per year
Attacks are on the rise due to our inaction, inappropriate management, and bad habits. We must fulfill our role as the dominant species so they maintain their natural fear of us. Frighten them by any humane means when they approach.
Will Coyotes Kill My Pet? Rarely.
- They will on rare occasions take a free-roaming cat if you don’t protect it as you would your dog. You would never let your dog face the dangers of roaming free.
- Unless your dog starts a fight, coyotes would rather befriend him and eat his food than fight.
Species Behavioral Facts:
- Passing within 30 feet of humans is not aggressiveness.
- A group of coyotes is usually a family, not a pack.
Is Trapping an Option? Only as a Last Resort.
- The vast majority of scientific studies conclude that trapping results in an overall increase in the population. The remaining members of the species competitively over breed to fill the gap created by trapping.
- Sick, injured, or aggressive coyotes should be trapped.
How to Peacefully Coexist:
- Frighten them; yell, wave your arms, squirt with hose.
- Never feed pets outside or leave them out after dark.
- Never allow children to play outside unattended.
- Secure trash and compost to eliminate food sources.
- Proactively educate your neighborhood.
More information on coyotes
Download and print this information as a flyer
