Residents urged not to dump Halloween pumpkins outdoors

Residents are being urged not to leave Halloween pumpkins in woodland, parks or other public spaces, amid warnings that discarded fruit and its decorations may harm wildlife and disrupt habitats. Epping Forest City of London has asked people not to dump pumpkins in Epping Forest, while waste and wildlife experts recommend using food-waste collections or composting routes in line with local council rules. The charity said pumpkins are not part of native wildlife diets and may make hedgehogs ill. It warned that food left in the forest for birds, foxes, badgers and deer could contribute to the spread of disease. Carved pumpkins may also contain paint, glitter, candles or other decorations that could pose risks if animals eat them. These are warnings from the charity; the reports do not provide measurements of harm caused by discarded pumpkins. Dr Sean McCormack, head vet at Tails.com, said food left in natural habitats can alter normal wildlife foraging and attract pests. Rotting pumpkins may draw rats, according to the expert. The advice is to dispose of pumpkins responsibly at home rather than taking them to a natural area to decompose. For pumpkins that remain fresh and have...