We’ve probably all done it: throw a torn-off piece of bread into the air for sea gulls to swoop down and catch in their beaks. In fact, it’s kinda fun. Cheetos and crackers, too. But the next time you are tempted to feed the birds, don’t. Just don’t.

There are reasons for this. First, it’s dangerous to someone holding out their hand to the sharp peck of a gull’s beak.

Second, it makes these beautiful creatures become a nuisance. They get used to being fed and hassle other beachgoers for food. Birds can become quite aggressive while going after scraps and have been known to dive-bomb unsuspecting visitors who have unwrapped food at their beach spot.

But perhaps the most important reason is that it’s dangerous to the birds. Regular feeding of birds causes unnatural behavior. They begin looking to people for food instead of hunting it for themselves. It can also result in poor nutrition. While Cheetos aren’t exactly good for anyone, our food is not a part of a bird’s regular diet. And if birds get sick, they can spread disease.

Herons, pelicans and even sea gulls should have a healthy fear of humans, which is eliminated by constant feeding.

Feeding birds on public piers or beaches also puts them in close proximity to things that can be dangerous, such as fishing line.

Please keep our local wildlife safe by being content to view from a distance.