Is It Okay to Feed Apples to Deer?
Deer can often be found in suburban or rural areas, where they may occasionally venture into backyards. Apples are a natural food source for deer, especially in areas with abandoned orchards. However, it is essential to understand the potential consequences of feeding deer, particularly regarding safety and wildlife management.
Feeding Deer in the Wild
We the People live in the southern Rockies, where deer are frequently spotted in our backyard. A nearby resident even witnessed a fawn take its first steps, which brought the entire neighborhood together to witness the moment. This experience highlights how modern deer have adapted to human presence. However, feeding deer is a complex issue that requires careful consideration.
While deer are already accustomed to browsing human-raised plants, such as commercial crops and shrubs, giving them an occasional apple may not significantly disrupt their diet, as many apples fall naturally in the environment and are consumed by both livestock and wild game.
The Risks of Feeding Deer
Feeding deer can come with several risks:
Risk to Safety: Teaching deer to stay in populated areas increases the chances of them being hit by a car or encountering other dangerous situations with humans.
Health Risks: Introducing new foods to their diet can be harmful, especially during specific seasons when their bodies are adapted to a particular diet. For example, feeding corn during the winter/spring when they rely on browsing tree branch tips can negatively impact their health.
Illegal Feeding: In most areas, it is illegal to feed wild game without special permits or under specific conditions, such as bird feeders. This is to ensure the well-being of both wildlife and humans.
Introducing apples to your backyard deer could make them more accustomed to humans, potentially posing a safety risk to both the deer and the community. Some individuals may target these deer for trophy hunting or human encounters, while others might accidentally harm them through vehicle collisions.
Safe Feeding Practices
While feeding deer can be tempting, especially with cute wildlife like does and their fawns, it is crucial to practice safe and responsible feeding:
Feeding in Absence: Leave apples out without being around when the deer come to eat. This ensures they do not associate you with food.
Proper Disposal: Make sure apple scraps are disposed of properly to avoid attracting other wildlife that could pose a risk to the deer.
Contact Authorities: Inform game wardens or wildlife conservation agencies about your apple feeding to ensure that the deer remain safe and natural.
While apples are a natural food source for deer, feeding them can have significant risks. It is important to prioritize the health and safety of both the deer and the community. In areas where feeding wildlife is illegal, it is best to avoid it altogether to ensure the well-being of the local wildlife.