Anchorage Bans Wildlife Feeding, Protects People & Animals

0:00Anchorage just made it illegal to feed eagles and most other wildlife in the city. The assembly passed the new rule Tuesday night in a 9-3 vote. First-time bilaterer space a $250 fine, and it jumps to $500 for repeats. Negligent stuff like leaving food out starts at $100 and climbs higher. Officials say feeding eagles has been pulling dozens of them into parks, especially around dog areas in Muldoon, that ups the risk of birds going after pets and spreading diseases. Plus, eagles drop scraps that melt out of the snow come spring, drawing hungry bears right into neighborhoods. Some folks spoke out against it, worried about wild bunnies struggling through winter. They argued humans should help since people released pet rabbits that don't belong here, but city experts point out those rabbits are non-native invaders that mess with local ecosystems and lure predators like bears. Bird feeders are still okay under the rules, but wildlife managers urge taking them down early spring to avoid bear trouble.

1:01Fish and game backs that to keep trash-rating bears out of yards. This move aims to cut conflicts and protect both people and animals, so expect more eyes on parks as enforcement kicks in. Stay in form with Anchorage News today.