Danger to Animals and People: Why You Shouldn't Feed Deer in Winter
'13.12.2025'
ForumDaily New York
New York State is home to thousands of deer. Many residents believe they don't have enough food in winter and try to feed them. Silive explains why you shouldn't do this.
Environmentalists warn that such assistance is harmful to both animals and people.
Deer population and control measures
According to city authorities, New York City is attempting to reduce the deer population through a controversial vasectomy program. Despite these measures, the animals continue to roam freely in parks and courtyards.
On the subject: New York's wild animals: how to handle them safely
Many people believe that reindeer can suffer from hunger in winter. However, environmentalists emphasize that feeding them causes serious harm.
Feeding deer is prohibited.
According to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, feeding deer anywhere in the state is illegal. This ban is due to safety concerns.
Feeding disrupts animals' natural behavior patterns. This leads to aggression, disrupted migrations, habitat destruction, and health problems.
Feeding deer within 300 meters of a road is especially dangerous. This increases the risk of accidents and human injury.
The main risks of feeding deer
Aggression among animals
Feeding alters the migration and social behavior of reindeer, leading to increased aggression.
Danger to people
Food attracts deer to residential buildings and roads, increasing the risk of accidents.
More than 70,000 deer-vehicle collisions occur in the state annually, with each collision resulting in an average of $4,000 in damages.
Habitat damage
Deer gathering in feeding areas leads to the destruction of natural areas and private property. This also affects neighboring yards.
Risk of disease
Deer often carry ticks infected with Lyme disease. By attracting the animals with food, residents increase the risk of infection.
Food toxicity
In winter, deer feed on branches and bark. Grain and other carbohydrate-rich foods cause increased acid production in the stomach.
This leads to diarrhea, dehydration and can cause death.
According to deer herd health specialist Erin Larson, this toxicity can kill an animal within six to 10 hours of ingesting the grain.
How can you help deer?
The New York City Parks Department recommends viewing wildlife from a distance.
Deer are most active at dawn and dusk.
The best way to help them survive the winter is to improve the quality of the natural areas where they live in summer and autumn, and to strengthen their natural food sources in parks and woodlands.
