People are being urged not to leave their post-Halloween pumpkins out for wildlife to eat.
The plea comes after Staffordshire County Council said recent years had seen an increase in the number left in country parks to degrade naturally and feed animals.
But rangers say the discarded pumpkins can do more harm than good.
Cllr Victoria Wilson, cabinet member for communities and culture at Staffordshire County Council, said:
“Pumpkins are not a natural food source of woodland and heathland wildlife. They can cause some wildlife to become poorly.
“Another concern is the decorations used on carved pumpkins – along with tealights that are left in them – can also pose as a danger to wildlife, should they be eaten.
“Usually, the pumpkins are not eaten and then left to rot on the path edges, which makes the area slippery and hard to pass by.”
Cllr Victoria Wilson, Staffordshire County Council
Residents are instead being encouraged to make use of their unwanted pumpkin at home by creating soups or pies. Alternatively, they can be composted or disposed of in the brown bin.
“With Halloween fast approaching, I have no doubt that a lot of people will be buying pumpkins to celebrate.
“Unfortunately, a lot of these pumpkins have ended up in our country parks because people believe they are being helpful by recycling and feeding animals. Sadly, this is not the case.
“Please help us keep our country parks safe for both its inhabitants and visitors by disposing of your leftover pumpkins responsibly.
“This can be done by either composting them or putting them in your garden waste bin.”
Cllr Victoria Wilson, Staffordshire County Council