Trash or compost pumpkins: Feeding wildlife puts humans and animals at risk

Bridget O'Rourke
Statewide Public Information Officer
720-219-2919
[email protected]

DENVER – Under Colorado law, feeding wildlife is illegal because it risks wildlife health and safety. Those in violation are subject to fines, and even worse, can cause the animal to become sick and die. Violating this law not only carries legal consequences but also has a significant impact on the well-being of our wildlife. Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) asks the public to properly trash or compost pumpkins following Halloween and not feed them to wildlife. 

In addition to humans causing harm to wildlife, it's important to remember that wildlife can also pose physical danger to humans. Wildlife is just that, wild, and can act in unpredictable ways. This unpredictability requires caution and respect for wildlife during and following human-celebrated holidays. 

Leaving pumpkins out for wildlife might seem harmless, but it can lead to unintended consequences and put humans and animals at risk. 

• Feeding wildlife like deer in your yard can attract mountain lions to residential areas, or uncleaned birdfeeders may attract bears.
• Bears are attracted to pumpkins as they look to pile on calories during the last days before denning season, which can lead to unnecessary human-bear conflicts.
• Animals such as elk, moose and deer with calves and fawns can become aggressive to defend their young.
• Artificial feeding disrupts grazing behavior and prompts deer to crowd together in small areas where they are more likely to be chased by dogs, hit by cars and spread disease. 
• Diseases can spread among wildlife, livestock, domestic animals and people. 
• Approaching and feeding young wildlife can expose you to rabies, Salmonella, fleas, ticks, and other parasites, bacteria, or viruses that may be present in or on the animal. Likewise, humans can inadvertently expose baby wildlife to diseases carried by people.

CPW encourages people looking to put Halloween pumpkins to better use than disposal in a landfill to find composting opportunities in local communities. Not only does this help in reducing waste, but it also benefits the environment and our wildlife. Many communities offer pumpkin drop-off sites, and it is common for ranchers and farmers to take pumpkins to feed domestic livestock or create compost that nourishes gardens and landscape soil.

• Denver - pumpkin drop-off sites
• City of Durango - pumpkin drop-off stations
• City of Fort Collins -composting locations
• City of Grand Junction - composting locations
• Colorado Springs - compost pick-ups

If you see unsafe human behavior, such as feeding or harassing wildlife, you have the power to make a difference. Report it to your local CPW office and help protect our wildlife.

For more information, visit cpw.state.co.us/living-wildlife.