Pumpkin appeal to protect Mayo wildlife

PEOPLE are being asked not to leave out pumpkins left over from Halloween for wildlife, as they can cause harm.

A practice has developed in Castlebar where pumpkins are left out at Lough Lannagh for birds and other wildlife.

However, Councillor Donna Sheridan, district cathaoirleach, has discouraged people from doing so, highlighting how pumpkins can kill hedgehogs and other wildlife.

Speaking at a municipal meeting this week, she asked: “Can we discourage it? It is really unfair on wildlife.”

This is the second year that Councillor Sheridan has raised the issue, pointing out post last Halloween's celebrations how when hedgehogs eat pumpkins, they can get diarrhoea and die of dehydration while hibernating.