Don't feed the deer! Here's why

Our annual reminder. Deer may be pretty, but that doesn't mean they are pets. Do NOT feed them!

For one thing, doing so violates New York State Law. As the Department of Environmental Conservation explains, it also is illegal  to put out any sort of food or other materials that will attract deer.

The reasons behind the prohibition are not to spoil the fun for animal lovers. It is for the protection of the deer and the people who share their environs. In other words, us.

A few facts to keep in mind:

• When placing feed on the ground for deer, residents likely will attract other critters, such as raccoons and mice. The white-footed mouse is a key player in the transmission of Lyme disease.

• Residents living near busy roadways create the potential for more deer-auto collisions as deer travel across the roadway in search of the supplemental food source.

• Improper diets provided during feeding can create health problems for deer.

• Concentrating deer and increasing nose-to-nose contact around a food source can increase the rate of the spread of disease.

• Deer are browsers and will heavily graze areas surrounding feeding stations. A resident who feeds deer in an urban setting can cause increased landscape damage for neighbors.

• Deer using a feeding site can become acclimated to, and no longer fearful of, humans. A fear of humans is in the best interest of deer. Increased acclimation will create more conflicts between humans and deer and between humans and other humans.

Illegally feeding deer is a violation punishable by a fine of up to $250 and 15 days in jail for each day of the offense.