G&F News: Wildlife managers remind residents to resist the urge to feed backyard deer this winter

CHEYENNE - Winter is almost upon us and big game animals are moving to lower elevations, which means they may soon descend into our towns and backyards. This year, our backyard visitors may appear thin or hungry — sparking an urge to feed them. Many well-intentioned people feed wildlife under the assumption it will ensure their survival through winter. The Wyoming Game and Fish Department recognizes and appreciates people’s concern about wintering wildlife. However, feeding deer often causes more harm than good for some big game species like mule deer and does not increase their chances of survival.
Mule deer spend their summers consuming forage and storing energy as body fat for reserves to be used during winter months. As the winter goes on mule deer burn their body fat to survive, which causes their body mass to decrease. This occurs naturally, regardless of available food during winter.