While it might seem harmless, and even helpful, to feed the animals you see at the beach, doing so can cause major problems, for them and the beach. When animals fill up on people food, they can become ill. Feeding can also attract large numbers of birds, which leads to large amounts of waste. Any uneaten food rots which can lead to algal blooms. Every year high bacteria levels cause the closure of our beaches, with one major source being bird feces.
There are few things more disappointing than arriving at the beach for a fun-filled day only to find a “beach closed” sign.
The Illinois Department of Public Health requires that bacteria levels be measured every two weeks at swimming beaches, from May through September. If the levels of E. coli or fecal bacteria exceed safe levels, the beach must be closed.
Help protect the lake by not feeding wildlife and cleaning up after yourself and pets.
