The act of feeding wildlife is certainly a heated debate in most areas. There are those who completely stand against it and have some supportive arguments to back their theory. Then there are those who are on the flip side who make their voices heard.
Their was a bill recently brought before the legislation that proposed to make feeding wild animals a crime. A farmer brought this bill to the forefront with support from Fish & Wildlife Department, Wild Turkey Federation, Maine Bowhunters Association, and the Quality Deer Management Association. With all this support you would assume this would be put in place hands down. Never assume, because you would be wrong in this situation.
You will still be able to or still see people feeding deer and turkeys. This is a growing activity throughout are area. Individuals, businesses, and organizations are taking place in routinely feeding these wild animals. Why? I guess for the same reason people feed blue Jays, squirrels, and song birds. To see these animals and provide needed food when times are tough. You see in department stores, sporting good stores, and feed stores incredible amounts of products now suited for feeding these wild animals.
The State has made known the risks involved in people feeding these wild animals. They even went as far to make a video stating information on this matter. There is a main concern in the potential for disease. What about deer/car collisions? Then the fear that these animals rely on the food source, when that food source is not there will these animals find enough food in the “wild” to survive?
What are your thoughts on the matter? I guess the only advantage I see is not for the animals but for those who enjoy watching these animals. I enjoy watching wildlife as much as the next guy but at what expense.
