Pumpkins causing risk to wildlife this Halloween: here's why

Staffordshire countryside teams have warned residents that pumpkins could cause risk to wildlife this Halloween if not disposed of properly.

The council are reminding residents not to leave unwanted pumpkins in country parks or other countryside locations as leaving them for wildlife causes more harm than good.

Pumpkins are not natural part of the diet of animals such as deer, hedgehogs and badgers and can cause them harm with Staffordshire council's rangers regularly find discarded pumpkins in parks and green spaces. As they begin to rot, pumpkins can attract pests and candles left inside pumpkins can also pose a risk to wildlife if swallowed.

Instead, residents are being encouraged to make the most of Staffordshire's food waste recycling service. Any leftover pumpkin flesh can be placed in a food waste caddy and recycled into renewable energy and fertiliser.

Hayley Coles, acting leader and cabinet member for communities and culture at Staffordshire County Council, said: "Leaving pumpkins in the countryside may seem like a kind gesture, but they can do more harm than good, creating problems for wildlife and visitors.

"Please put pumpkin leftovers in your food waste caddy to help turn them into renewable energy and fertiliser.

"Our rangers and volunteers work hard to keep Staffordshire's country parks safe, clean and welcoming, so we're asking everyone to take their pumpkins home and leave no trace when visiting our countryside this Halloween."

For residents interested in home composting, Staffordshire County Council has a video guide to help people get started.