Six Reasons to Avoid Feeding Deer during Winter, as Suggested by Specialists
Six Reasons to Avoid Feeding Deer during Winter, as Suggested by Specialists
As the chill sets in and snow covers the ground, it's challenging not to feel sympathetic towards wild animals forced to endure the weather, including deer. With their large, expressive eyes, dark noses, and fluffy ears, deer are often a comforting sight on dismal winter days. However, while it might be tempting to lure them to your backyard by offering them food during the winter, here are six key reasons why it's a bad idea, as advised by several wildlife experts.
- Becky Fuda serves as the deer project leader at the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department.
- Erin Larson is a deer herd specialist at the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.
- Travis Lau is the communications director for the Pennsylvania Game Commission.
1. Deer Don't Need Extra Food in Winter
"Bear in mind that deer are well-equipped to cope with cold climates as they've developed various adaptations to survive through harsh winters," explains Becky Fuda, deer project leader at the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department. Deer build up extra fat in autumn and grow a thick coat with long guard hairs for insulation during the winter. They also consume a diet rich in fiber, which primarily consists of twigs and tree bark. Plus, they reduce their activity level and metabolism, lowering their nutritional needs. "They've evolved to deal with these winters, they don't need our help," adds Fuda.
2. Grain Is Dangerous to Deer in Winter
Grains like corn are high in carbohydrates, while deer naturally consume high-fiber foods during the winter. If deer abruptly switch from eating twigs and bark to grain, such as corn, it can result in 'corn toxicity', a condition that causes their stomachs to produce excessive acid, leading to bloating, diarrhea, dehydration, and even death. Erin Larson, deer herd specialist at the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, warns that deer affected by corn toxicity can die within six to ten hours of consuming grain.
3. It Can Spread Diseases
Artificial feeding also attracts wildlife in excessive numbers, increasing the risk of disease transmission. This is particularly prevalent in areas with Chronic Wasting Disease, says Fuda. This is a deadly neurological disorder that can be transmitted among deer, elk, and moose populations through contact with saliva, blood, urine, or feces. When infected deer gather at an artificial feeding site, they can easily infect other deer that visit, hastening the spread of the disease. "It will accelerate the transmission of the disease," says Fuda.
4. Deer May Become Aggressive
Feeding deer can also make them more aggressive towards each other. When food like corn is placed out, it often attracts more deer than available food can support, leading the most aggressive deer to consume it quickly, leaving smaller and less aggressive deer like fawns with nothing—increasing their risk of starvation. "A lot of people who feed wildlife think the wildlife needs a boost, but it can create additional problems," says Travis Lau, communications director at the Pennsylvania Game Commission.
5. Feeding Can Habituate Deer to Humans
Feeding deer can also bring them close to human inhabited areas, which often doesn't end well for either parties. When deer are fed by humans, they start to perceive them as a source of food—instead of a potential threat—says Lau.
Allowing deer to wander into residential areas can cause other problems. Deer in residential areas are more likely to cross roads, increasing their likelihood of being hit by cars, says Larson. Deer drawn into residential areas will also tend to consume ornamental landscaping, says Fuda—something no gardener wants.
## 6. It May Be Against the Law
In many places, feeding deer is illegal. Anti-feeding regulations may vary by state, so users should consult their local natural resources agency to determine if any regulations apply in their area. Counties and local municipalities can also enact their own rules, so users should research local regulations as well, suggests Larson.
## Tips for Helping Deer in Winter
Since there are numerous drawbacks to artificially feeding deer, experts strongly advise against doing so. Instead, users can help deer and other wildlife winters in more beneficial ways.
"Any sized property can be improved for wildlife," says Lau. Try planting native trees and shrubs, which don't carry the same risks as artificial feeding, should deer consume them. In larger yards, create brush piles in secluded spots to provide cover and protection from the elements.
- For nature lovers interested in gardening, incorporating 'Garden Design' that includes native trees and shrubs can significantly benefit local wildlife, particularly deer, during the winter months. As explained by Travis Lau, communications director for the Pennsylvania Game Commission, these plants do not pose the risks associated with artificial feeding.
- If you're an avid gardener dealing with 'Garden Pests' during the spring and summer seasons, you might find helpful advice in publications like 'BHG' (Better Homes and Gardens). Their gardening tips and tricks could provide effective solutions to pest problems, ensuring a healthier, more vibrant garden ecosystem.
- When faced with 'Pest Problem Fixes' in your garden, it's crucial to consider the impact of your actions on wildlife, such as deer. Instead of employing harsh chemicals that could adversely affect local fauna, explore natural pest control methods, which are often more beneficial for nature lovers' gardens and the 'Nature Lovers' Gardening' movement.