Michigan DNR: Take Down Your Backyard Bird Feeders ASAP

The Michigan DNR is urging residents to take down their backyard bird feeders ASAP.

If there's one thing most Michiganders have in their backyards, it's bird feeders. Some people have several placed throughout their yards. To be honest, some people have way too many. Obviously, this brings in a variety of birds, which many people enjoy watching.

I refuse to put a bird feeder in my yard just due to the fact that it attracts so many birds that only return the favor by crapping all over my patio and/or truck. Yeah, no thanks.

Take Down Your Backyard Bird Feeders

While I feel I have a good reason not to put bird feeders in my yard, why in the world would the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) want Michigan residents to remove bird feeders from their backyards?

The answer is simple. The DNR is asking people to temporarily remove their bird feeders and bird baths to help curb the spread of diseases.

The Michigan DNR annually urges residents to take down their bird feeders to help prevent the spread of diseases like avian influenza and salmonella, which can spread super fast among birds at feeders.

Bird Feeders Attract Bears

For residents living in Northern Michigan, another reason to remove bird feeders from your yard is to avoid an interaction with bears coming out of hibernation. The last thing you want is to come face to face with a hungry bear.

Look, bird feeders aren’t banned; it’s just a suggestion to remove them for a few weeks to a month in early spring. Also, if you decide to keep a bird feeder in your yard, be sure to clean it regularly.