Sometimes people want to take care of or help wildlife and ultimately have the opposite effect. Recently the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources discovered corn kernels in the gut of a deer that died of chronic wasting disease. While it is not illegal to feed the wildlife, there are several reasons that it is highly discouraged. A big reason is there is a real danger when deer, elk, and moose congregate. Chronic wasting disease is a fatal transmissible disease that affects the nervous systems of deer, elk, and moose. The disease can be found in infected animals urine, feces, and saliva and can hold in the environment for a long time. DWR Regional Outreach Manager Aaron Bott says, “Because the disease is so contagious, it is essential that residents do not feed wildlife. This includes putting out corn, hay, dog food or birdseed that deer might easily access. Although it may seem like a beneficial thing to do, feeding deer actually accelerates the spread of this disease.” Fortunately the disease is not widespread throughout Utah. Even so the DWR recommends avoiding any deer showing signs of sickness that include trouble walking, drooling, droopy ears, or looking emaciated. If you see a sickly deer, contact the DWR office.
