#WildAnimalBehavior – Forests of Memory. Forests of Learning. Forests for Life.

“Let Wild Be Wild”: Saskatoon’s New Wildlife Feeding Bylaw and the Lessons Nature Teaches Us

It starts, as these things often do, with good intentions: a bag of apples tossed near a thicket, a few scraps left out “for the deer,” or a kitchen compost bin not quite secured against curious nocturnal noses. It may feel like kindness—after all, who doesn’t feel a twinge of empathy when a doe crosses your backyard on a frosty morning? But the problem is that in the world of wildlife, what we see as a generous offering can unravel the delicate balance of survival.

White-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus)

Here in Saskatoon, we’re lucky. Our city is stitched together with corridors of green—places like the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area and the Meewasin Valley—sanctuaries not only for the people seeking peace in nature, but for the coyotes, skunks, beavers, foxes, and yes, the deer who’ve learned to live on the urban fringe. And live they do, quite capably—until we step in with the wrong kind of help.

The City of Saskatoon has recently approved amendments to The Animal Control Bylaw and The Property Nuisance & Abatement Bylaw, effectively banning the feeding of wildlife on both public and private property. This is a bold and necessary step, and speaking to those who have spent decades working with animals across continents, I can assure you: it’s long overdue.

The reasons are as numerous as they are vital:

Feeding wild animals encourages them to lose their natural wariness around humans. A coyote that finds an easy meal on someone’s deck may soon start expecting it—and that’s when conflicts begin. A raccoon that routinely rummages through accessible garbage bins can become a nuisance. Worse yet, animals that associate people with food are more likely to be struck by vehicles, suffer poor nutrition, or be euthanized after so-called “aggressive” behaviour that’s really just confused boldness.

In my time working with animals, experts have seen time and again how we, as humans, often forget one simple truth: wild animals aren’t lost or lacking—they are wild. And wildness is a thing of beauty, not something to be softened by handouts of processed bread or fruit peelings.

Saskatoon’s new bylaw is clear:

Don’t feed the wildlife.
Don’t leave food or waste that may attract them.
You may still feed birds—if the feeder is elevated and inaccessible to other species.

Violations come with fines that start at $250, escalating to $1,000 for repeat offences. It’s a necessary deterrent. Because managing wildlife isn’t about control—it’s about respect.

Let me share a small story. Not long ago, while walking the wooded edge of an afforestation area, I came across a fox—its russet coat brilliant in the morning light. It paused, regarding me from a cautious distance. That distance was the respect between our species, an invisible boundary that said: “I know who you are. You are not my feeder. I do not need you to survive.”

That fox, like the deer in your backyard or the coyote in your alley, doesn’t need a sandwich or a slice of melon. It needs cover, clean water, a place to roam, and most importantly, to be left to its own ancient rhythms.

So, let’s take this bylaw not as a restriction, but a reminder. A reminder that the best way we can care for wildlife is by letting them stay wild. Walk the trails, watch from a respectful distance, pick up your trash, and yes—scoop the poop. Because even dog waste can attract scavengers and predators looking for an easy snack.

In this new chapter of Saskatoon’s coexistence with its wild neighbours, we’re not building fences—we’re setting boundaries that ensure safety, dignity, and survival for all.

Come to nature, come to life. Just don’t bring the snacks, and if you picnic, “Pack it in, Pack it out”.

#ScoopThePoop #ResponsiblePetOwnership #CleanParks #ProtectOurEnvironment

City of Saskatoon. (2025, May 22). City Council approves wildlife feeding ban to support public safety and urban wildlife management. Retrieved from https://www.saskatoon.ca/news-releases/city-council-approves-wildlife-feeding-ban-support-public-safety-and-urban-wildlife-management

City of Saskatoon. (n.d.). Wildlife Management. Retrieved from https://www.saskatoon.ca/services-residents/pet-licensing-animal-services/wildlife-management

Haigh, J. (2012). Of moose and men: A wildlife vet’s pursuit of the world’s largest deer. ECW Press.

St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area. (2020, April 24). Scoop the poop. Retrieved from https://stbarbebaker.wordpress.com/2020/04/24/scoop-the-poop/

St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area. (2024, March 30). Scooping the Poop – A Responsible Act for Pet Owners. Retrieved from https://stbarbebaker.wordpress.com/2024/03/30/scooping-the-poop-a-responsible-act-for-pet-owners/

The Wildlife Act, 1998, S.S. 1998, c. W-13.11 (Saskatchewan).

For directions as to how to drive to “George Genereux” Urban Regional Park

For directions on how to drive to Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area

For more information:

Blairmore Sector Plan Report; planning for the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area, George Genereux Urban Regional Park and West Swale and areas around them inside of Saskatoon city limits

NEW P4G District Official Community Plan

Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area is located in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada north of Cedar Villa Road, within city limits, in the furthest south west area of the city. 52° 06′ 106° 45′

Addresses:

Part SE 23-36-6 – Afforestation Area – 241 Township Road 362-A

Part SE 23-36-6 – SW Off-Leash Recreation Area (Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area ) – 355 Township Road 362-A

S ½ 22-36-6 Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area (West of SW OLRA) – 467 Township Road 362-A

NE 21-36-6 “George Genereux” Afforestation Area – 133 Range Road 3063

Wikimapia Map: type in Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area

Google Maps South West Off Leash area location pin at parking lot

Web page: https://stbarbebaker.wordpress.com

Where is the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area? with map

Where is the George Genereux Urban Regional Park (Afforestation Area)?with map

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Blogger: FriendsAfforestation