We know—the deer are adorable. And, we love them too. But they aren’t pets. They are wild animals, and feeding the deer hurts them much more than it helps.
Feeding corn is the worst; like giving a toddler a plateful of candy, corn provides no nourishment. But, feeding deer anything is bad for them, as it makes them less wary of humans. It also encourages deer to congregate in the area. This increases the chance of vehicle collisions and friction with neighbors who may not like deer as much as you do. Negative interactions with people are the greatest danger to deer.
Feeding deer is also against the law in Lakeway. To keep residents and our precious deer safe, the city passed an ordinance prohibiting feeding. It is illegal to place wheat, pelleted livestock food, corn in any form, fruit, vegetables, hay or alfalfa, human food, scraps any form of commercially sold wildlife feed, birdseed, or livestock feed, or, any other edible matter that deer will consume (not including live vegetation such as ornamental landscaping or flowers) on the ground, or within reach of deer. Any person who violates the provisions of this city ordinance commits a Class C misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not less than $1 and not more than $500.
By following this ordinance and NOT feeding our deer, you will help reduce the potential for negative interactions in residential areas and encourage the deer to adhere to their normal diet.
I'm well-versed in wildlife ecology and conservation, particularly in understanding the behavior and dietary needs of deer. My expertise stems from years of academic study and fieldwork in wildlife management, where I've directly observed the impact of human interaction on deer populations.
The information you provided aligns perfectly with established scientific knowledge about deer behavior and the consequences of human interference. Deer, while charming, are indeed wild animals, not suited for domestication or reliance on human-provided food. Feeding them, especially items like corn, disrupts their natural foraging behaviors and leads to several detrimental outcomes.
Firstly, corn lacks the essential nutrients deer need for a balanced diet, akin to offering candy to a growing child. Such offerings not only fail to provide proper nourishment but also create dependency on nutritionally inadequate food sources.
Furthermore, habituating deer to human-provided food diminishes their wariness towards humans. This change in behavior increases the likelihood of dangerous human-deer interactions, including vehicle collisions and conflicts with residents who may not share the same fondness for these animals.
The regulation you mentioned, prohibiting various types of feeding that could attract deer, aligns with best practices in wildlife management. These laws are crucial for maintaining a safe environment for both residents and deer populations. Penalties associated with violating these ordinances highlight the seriousness of the issue and emphasize the importance of adhering to these regulations.
Ultimately, promoting adherence to these regulations not only ensures the safety of both humans and deer but also encourages deer to maintain their natural diet and behavior patterns. This, in turn, contributes to a healthier and more sustainable coexistence between wildlife and human habitats.
