The Canton Board of Park Commissioners says:

Raccoons, deer, skunks, ducks, geese, squirrels, and chipmunks are wild animals and are capable of finding their own natural food supply.

The hand-feeding of these animals will cause them to lose their natural instincts. This can lead to over-population, improper nutrition, aggressiveness, disease and even death.

Hand-feeding can cause animals to lose their natural fear of man, therefore making them easy targets for people who would harm them. Uneaten food attracts rats and can cause rodent infestation. Processed food may cause or harbor diseases that will make an animal sick and could lead to its death. Animal droppings in the grass and on the walking track create an unsanitary and potentially dangerous situation for humans.

The improper feeding of birds and animals is against the Canton City Health Code.

The feeding of wild animals in the Canton Park System is against the park rules. We are enforcing this policy because we can help the wildlife the most by it alone.

With your cooperation the parks can be a safer and healthier environment for both humans and animals.

Thank you