Gateway National Recreation Area is a home for many wild animals. It is illegal and harmful to people and wildlife to approach, feed, handle, capture, or harass any wild animal in the park. If you treat wildlife with respect by not approaching or feeding them, you are helping them live natural lives. By keeping wildlife wild, you are protecting their safety and yours.
Why shouldn't you feed wild animals?
Food-conditioned animals are at a high risk for being involved in vehicle collisions and may die as a result.
Feeding attracts and concentrates animals to areas frequented by humans, potentially spreading diseases to each other and to people.
Animals store food to survive during winter months, but human food does not store well. Animals that store human food may die as a result.
Here’s what you can do:
Resist the temptation to feed wildlife and keep a safe and respectful distance.
Remember that young animals often look as if they are abandoned, but often their parents are nearby.
If you see an injured animal, please call dispatch at 718-354-4700.
