Resident asks Durham to consider ordinance to curb wildlife feeding after hundreds in neighborhood damage property

Steven Harris, a resident of the Charter Ridge subdivision, asked the council to consider a city ordinance restricting wildlife feeding after his neighborhood experienced repeated property and car damage.

"We've had neighbors complain that they cannot do business from home doing Zoom conferences because of the noise that the crows make," Harris said. He described squirrels chewing automobile wire harnesses and fuel lines, nests in engines and attics, and said "more than a dozen homes and cars have been significantly damaged" with "over $50,000 in damage on my street alone." Harris proposed restrictions including no open or platform feeders, no ground feeders, feeder designs that deter squirrels and non-songbird species, and a limit of five feeders per resident.

Harris said the North Carolina Wildlife Commission recommends not feeding wildlife but leaves enforcement to cities; he noted there is not a wildlife officer assigned to Durham County at present. He asked the council to consider an ordinance similar to one he cited in Raleigh.

The council did not take action at the meeting; the request was entered into public comment for staff follow-up.