Don't Feed the Deer! Discover What Happens Next.

LOCAL DEER POPULATION IS ESTIMATED AT 10,000

Once upon a time in Kansas, spotting a deer was a rare and exciting event, the kind of thing that would make it into "show and tell" at elementary school. Seeing a deer from any distance was a unique experience, a moment to remember.

Today, however, the conversation has flipped—it's notable if you don't see a deer. What was once a special occurrence has become mundane, uneventful, and no longer a big deal.

During a recent city council work session, Lynchburg’s Chief Animal Warden, Ryan Ball, gave a rough estimate of 10,000 deer living in Lynchburg. Whether that number is entirely exact is anyone's guess, but it's clear that either the deer population has grown significantly, or these animals have lost their inhibitions, allowing us and the deer to get closer to each other.

My friends and I were recently talking about what seems to be not just more deer, but deer that are far less wary of people. While walking my dog Lanie the other day, I met a deer in my neighbor’s yard. It was so close—within ten yards—and completely unbothered by our presence. It barely glanced up from its meal, showing no fear of us.

The city, however, is working on plans to address the growing deer population. One crucial step they’re encouraging is for residents to stop feeding the deer. Not only do deer cause damage to plants and trees, but dogs also tend to sample deer droppings, which is a health risk. Deer can carry tick-borne diseases, and while these diseases require an intermediary like a tick or contaminated water, it’s still wise to take precautions like keeping our distance.

The city has also reminded us that feeding deer is illegal and can result in fines. Most people who feed deer do so with good intentions, thinking they’re helping the animals survive or produce better antlers. However, wildlife biologists strongly discourage this practice for several reasons:

First, we are seeing firsthand that feeding deer can cause them to lose their natural fear of humans, which can be dangerous for both people and animals.

Second, when multiple deer gather at feeding sites, the risk of disease transmission increases. In some states, feeding sites have been linked to the spread of tuberculosis and chronic wasting disease among deer.

Third, feeding can harm or even kill deer. In winter, deer are adapted to survive on the natural food sources available to them. A sudden change in diet can cause fatal conditions like rumen acidosis or bloat. Additionally, corn and other feed often carry aflatoxin, a toxic substance produced by molds, which can poison deer and other wildlife. In fact, corn marketed as “Deer Corn” often holds aflatoxin levels that are higher than what is considered safe for livestock or humans.

Finally, if feeding does increase deer survival rates, it may lead to overpopulation, straining the local habitat beyond its ability to support them. Too many deer can damage the environment, which in turn affects the long-term survival of not just the deer, but other wildlife as well.

So, let’s work together to restore that sense of wonder when we see a deer—something special enough for elementary students to proudly share at "show and tell."