Wildlife feeding is often claimed to be an enjoyable and beneficial conservation activity. According
to the analysis proposed above, feeding is unacceptable in a great many circumstances. The variety of
possible feeding interactions, the range of underlying motivations, the benefits and risks to animals and
the inconsistency of approaches to restrict feeding present a confusing situation for wildlife managers.
The framework presented here could help managers and educators communicate with the public about
which types of feeding are acceptable and unacceptable. This would improve the current status of mixed
messages regarding feeding; for example, the acceptability of winter supplemental feeding and feeding
exotic animals as a tourist attraction, when similar feeding in parks or backyards is discouraged