While on an evening ride of Riverfront Trail last Thursday I witnessed the feeding of a half dozen of the many feral cats that live along the Trail east of Kiwanis Pocket Park and Klindt’s Cove. Dry cat food had been scattered in the gravel at a distance from the feeding site to lure 18 of the resident wild raccoons away so the feral cats could eat from plates and piles of dry and moist cat food undisturbed.
I have seen the wild raccoons at this feeding site many times eating remaining piles of cat food. Some raccoons were so engorged they just sat on their haunches, seemingly unable to move as I approached. Feeding wildlife is prohibited in Oregon for many reasons. Wildlife can become habituated to feeding which results in negative changes in health, behavior toward humans, and natural population control.
The trail passes by multiple impromptu feeding sites where several local individuals have taken on responsibility to regularly feed the feral cats and, in winter, to shelter the cats in labeled “cat houses” made of lidded plastic bins with access holes and straw bedding. While the good intentions prompting the feeding and sheltering of the feral cats are honorable, the consequences are many and complicated:
1) Without a concerted spaying/neutering effort the feral cat population can grow unchecked.
2) Abundant cat feces can pollute Klindt’s Cove, a popular swimming site.
3) The high protein and fat content of cat food is extremely unhealthy for raccoons and other wildlife and can cause kidney disease and obesity.
4) Piles of cat food left on the ground can become unsightly and smelly after becoming rain-soaked and infested with maggots.
5) Feral cats kill birds indiscriminately.
These concerns have prompted much discussion among Riverfront Trail board members but the Trail easement limits authority to address the issues directly. I spoke with the person feeding the cats and they placed responsibility for the situation with those who release unwanted cats along the Trail.
Best practices and inexpensive spay/neuter services are available through the Feral Cat Coalition of Oregon (503-797-2606) and PROD in Hood River (541-387-3647).
Our Riverfront Trail is our “front porch” and can be the first impression for many visitors to The Dalles. Let’s choose cooperation in addressing the quandary of the cats. See you on the Trail.
“Disinterested love for all living creatures, the most noble attribute of man.” — Charles Darwin
Trail notes are brought to you by the Riverfront Trail Board, a group of local volunteers who manage, help maintain and promote The Dalles Riverfront Trail. To sponsor this regular feature please contact us: 541-386-1234 Ext. 100 or email, Info@Gorgenews.com
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