WYOMING — Big game animals are moving down to lower elevations and in Jackson, that means mule deer will be spotted around town and in backyards. The Wyoming Game and Fish Department (WGFD) says residents should not feed mule deer, or any wildlife at that.
“This year, our backyard visitors may appear thin or hungry — sparking an urge to feed them,” WGFD said in a recent press release. “Many well-intentioned people feed wildlife under the assumption it will ensure their survival through winter. However, feeding often causes more harm than good for some big game species like mule deer and does not increase their chances of survival. “
According to WGFD, mule deer spend their summers consuming forage and storing energy as body fat for reserves to be used during winter months. As the winter goes on mule deer burn their body fat to survive, which causes their body mass to decrease. This occurs naturally, regardless of available food during winter.
“It is essential for mule deer to enter the winter in optimum body condition with a lot of body fat,” Doug Brimeyer, Game and Fish deputy wildlife division chief said. “The amount of body fat stored is determined by the quality and quantity of forage consumed during summer and fall.”
Game and Fish says people should resist the urge to feed deer with alfalfa, pellets, corn or any other food, including cookies.
“Like cows, deer are ruminants whose gut microbes gradually adapt to different food sources over the seasons,” the agency said. “A mismatch of meals can lead to a high production of lactic acid, which kills healthy bacteria and causes inflammation and ulcers that do not allow the stomach to absorb nutrients.”
“It’s not unusual to see these deer that have been fed die with full stomachs,” Brimeyer said.
Aside from the health issues feeding deer can cause, Game and Fish warns that feeding will attract more animals and in turn, lead to the lose of fear of humans. Congregations of animals can also attract predatory animals like mountain lions and coyotes and increase the risk of disease transmission and parasites.
“We understand the compassion that those who feed deer feel,” Brimeyer said. “But feeding unnatural foods is not what is best for them and can lead to their death or secondary harmful effects.”
In the Town of Jackson, Ordinance 1322 prohibits feeding the intentional or unintentional feeding of wildlife. A similar code applies to all of Teton County.
WGFD says people can help wintering wildlife by:
- Picking up hammocks, soccer nets and tomato cages and consider placing holiday lights out of reach.
- Keeping pets confined and/or on a leash. Never allow pets to chase wildlife.
- Slowing down on roadways for migrating wildlife, especially at dawn and dusk.
- Opening gates wherever possible for easier wildlife movement.
