A 'massive outbreak' of feeding deer causes concern

A $135 fine isn’t the only consequence of feeding deer, according to the fish and game warden.

“We’re seeing a massive outbreak of people feeding deer,” Fish, Wildlife & Parks Game Warden Tamie Laverdure said.

That feeding deer in the area have unintended consequences such as harming deer and attracting predators to the area, according to Laverdure

Laverdure said that, when people feed deer, they spread diseases such as the papillomavirus.

On top of the disease, she’s also seen cases of deer dropping dead from a condition known as “corn acidosis.”

In short, in the winter deers’ stomachs are not made to handle the rich protein in corn. Deers’s stomachs are meant to change in the winter as they go into “browsing mode.” During this time, the deers’ stomach lining changes, resulting in their diets naturally changing.

Laverdure said that many individuals will feed deer because they feel sorry for them during the winter. She insured that, while a deer may look hungry, they’re actually doing fine.

“They’re killing them with kindness by thinking they’re helping them,” Laverdure said.

While Laverdure understands that people have the best of intentions, their actions have consequences.

On top of being cited, a big concern people should have is attracting predators.

Wherever there’s a large concentration of deer, mountain lions are bound to come.

Just the other day, Laverdure said she responded to a case in which a mountain lion had to be dispatched.

The mountain lion made its way onto a resident’s porch and gruesomely killed their housecat.

“When you have a lion that’s brave enough to come up onto a deck, you have a problem,” Laverdure said. “That’s why people need to be careful.”

Living in an area where there’s wildlife all around poses another issue — moose.

“Every year we have a moose, this is nothing uncommon,” Laverdure said. “They love the mountain ash trees that people have planted and they come down into town and eat them.”

Moose are typically short-tempered and will retaliate, Laverdure said, but as long as people keep their distance and are aware they should be safe.

One particular mother moose has been causing some concern in Libby.

In this particular case, a resident’s dog started chasing the mother moose, but when the moose started to charge, the owner was able to retreat to his home unharmed.

“Usually people know enough to leave it alone,” Laverdure said, noting that people should be aware if they know a moose in their neighborhood and take precautions.

Laverdure said that she’s aware of the mother moose and said the moose doesn’t pose a large threat. People are asked to give moose a wide berth and don’t try to pet any moose.

Since Laverdure said they now have the ability to tranquilize, they will do so if public safety is in question.

“If people are having problems with the moose they definitely need to either call me or the sheriff’s office,” Laverdure said.