The municipality of Strängnäs in Sweden is advising residents against feeding ducks, according to a report from SVT Sörmland. The annual debate about duck feeding continues, with some people wanting to protect the birds while others argue it attracts rats. Strängnäs has placed signs in the harbor area discouraging the practice.
City environmental chief Anders Ekman stated that the natural behavior is for birds to migrate south when winter arrives and temperatures drop. 'When it's icy around Strängnäs, there's no bird problem,' Ekman said. He noted that when the cold weather subsides, the birds immediately return.
When it's icy around Strängnäs, there's no bird problem
The municipality previously experienced problems with duck feeding in Mariefred, which led to the installation of warning signs. Ekman believes the situation has improved over the past few years, but the municipality maintains its recommendation against feeding ducks in public areas.