11/20/2025
2.5 billion pumpkins are produced each year, and only 20% get reused. The good news is that pumpkins - provided they aren't painted or coated - are safe, nutritious and delicious for wildlife. Instead of simply tossing your pumpkins in the trash after Halloween or Thanksgiving, why not offer them up as a post-Halloween wildlife snack? 🐮🎃
(A great way for you to involve your children or grandchildren in a wildlife project.)
Pumpkin is safe for wildlife, and the seeds act as a natural dewormer. Small pumpkins can be placed around the yard for raccoons, deer and other animals that eat fruits and vegetables.🦌🐭🦝
Larger pieces can be cut up in chunks and placed in secluded parts of the yard. These pieces provide food for late butterflies and other insects that dine on plant juices. This could also work in attracting nocturnal moths, especially if you mix pulpy pumpkin with beer and brown sugar, then smear it on a tree. You can visit the bait in the evening and see unexpectedly cool moth species. 🦋
Whether you are creating a jack-o'-lantern or cutting up a pumpkin to make a dish, don't throw away the seeds. Many birds find the pumpkin's seeds desirable. 🐦⬛
As you might expect, squirrels don't miss a chance to dine on pumpkin seeds. 🐿️
You could also turn your pumpkins into a fun enrichment activity for your pets. Sliced into chunks, smeared onto lick mats, frozen into pupsicles, or hollowed out and filled with kibble or treats, all could serve to enrich your pets lives and recycle an otherwise wasted pumpkin.🐶🐱
