GATINEAU REMINDS RESIDENTS THAT FEEDING THE BIRDS IS PROHIBITED

Gatineau, July 8, 2011. – The slogan "Beef up the birds, befoul the environment!" is Gatineau's way of reminding residents that it is prohibited to feed the birds in city parks and on municipal beaches.

Feeding birds, in particular geese, ducks and seagulls causes a number of problems:

• bird droppings, which can compromise the quality of the water, beaches and grassy areas.

• dietary or nutritional imbalances, which are best avoided by ensuring that the birds move from place to place looking for a natural and healthy diet; and

• bird overpopulation in specific areas due to growing flocks poses risks to human safety and may cause a deterioration in their habitat. Also, the birds become more competitive as their populations become more concentrated.

For additional information, please consult the municipal Web site at www.gatineau.ca or call 3-1-1.