Warden cautions residents to not feed deer

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks game warden Tamie Laverdure is warning area residents to not feed the local deer population, saying such action is not only illegal but also creates health risks for the animals.

“We have a pretty major epidemic of deer feeding in Libby,” she said. “The sad thing is that people think they’re saving the deer by giving them food, but in reality they’re killing them. The deer’s stomachs can’t handle the protein in the feeds they’re being given.”

Laverdure said there have been several recent cases of acedosis in deer caused from the deer being fed grains and other food not part of their natural environment and typical diet.

In addition to the health risks from the food, Laverdure said the feeding of deer creates a number of other problems.

One of the problems is increasing the spread of the papillomavirus in the local deer population. The virus, which manifests like big warts on the deer’s hide, is not immediately harmful to either the deer or to people who eat the deer, but it can cause issues with vision and movement if the growths spread to those areas of the deer’s bodies.

As the deer congregate together, another problem arises: predators. As deer gather at typical feeding places, they become a natural attractant for animal predators, animals who pose an additional risk to public safety. 

“Feeding deer lures in predators,” Laverdure said. “They come to where the deer are. People who are feeding the deer are creating an artificial hunting ground for predators.”

Another problem, Laverdure said, is the socialization of deer. They become accustomed to people and the trappings of civilization, which reduces the deer’s natural defenses. The deer also become dependent upon being fed by people and lose their natural instincts to forage and find food.

Laverdure said during the month of November she issued three citations for feeding deer, as well as numerous warnings. She said one common excuse used by people is that they’re feeding turkeys and squirrels, which is legal outside of city limits. She said, however, if deer begin feeding from those residential avenues, it qualifies as an “unnatural attractant,” which is a violation of state law.

Laverdure said anyone witnessing deer feeding should contact Fish, Wildlife & Parks immediately.