
Why You Can’t Feed This New York State Animal
Let's face it the weather so far this winter has been pretty harsh but no matter how bad it gets until the Spring thaw you can't feed certain wildlife in New York.
Why You Can't Feed Deer in New York State
I will admit that I am one of those people who spend too much money on bird food. I have even added buying unsalted peanuts to the list. They are popular with squirrels, the Blue Jays, and the crows. Feeding birds is allowed in New York while for some other animals, it is illegal.
White Tail deer and Moose can not be fed in New York State. It is illegal to feed those animals. According to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYS DEC), it is not only prohibited but it can also lead to health issues even death for the animal.
READ More: Father and Son Hunters Fall For DEC Decoy Deer
As tempting as it might be to help an animal who may be looking for food in the case of the deer it could be bad for the deer. The NYS DEC shared information in a press release that spells out some of the consequences.
Why You Should Not Feed Deer in the Winter
Apparently a deer's digestive system changes in the Winter. They mainly eat evergreen and woody-type vegetation in the colder months. The NYS DEC referred to this a Woody Browse. By giving a deer hay or corn this time of year you are giving them a food they can't digest. This leads to conditions and diseases that can kill the deer instead of nourishing it.

Feeding of white-tailed deer causes unnatural concentrations near the food source, which can lead to ecological damage, damage to property, and an increased risk of transmission of disease between deer. (dec.ny.gov)
In addition to the food not being good for the deer to eat it is also not good for Deer to gather in groups. Feeding stations could result in the spread of disease in deer such as Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD). Deer can leave spread this through their saliva so it could easily infect a feeding station.
READ More: Deer Meat Can Be Donated in New York
Even Selling Deer food or the equipment to distribute deer food is illegal in New York. So no matter how hungry they look remember it is better not to feed them. If you are concerned about the condition of a deer or a moose call and report it to the NYS DEC.
Hudson Valley Wildlife Gallery
Gallery Credit: Paty Quyn