Don’t feed the deer

It appears that a large number of our Spokane County neighbors have taken pity on a seemingly hapless deer population by leaving food out for them this winter.

Despite the ravages of an overwhelming December snow load, these animals do have fat stores to help get them through the winter. Leaving food out not only promotes the survival of diseased deer that may not have survived the winter but also attracts them to high-traffic areas.

Last evening, I saw at least 20 deer within easy reach of Trent between Barker and Sullivan with another three crossing Trent near Campbell Road. I’ve seen eight killed deer in the last three weeks over the short stretch between Harvard and Sullivan.

I can only conclude that the influx of deer into these areas has been more influenced by readily available food than by our winter. This well intentioned but poorly thought out practice then provides an inadequate food supply to animals already suited to survive a Spokane winter and places them at increased jeopardy of death on our highways.

Please don’t feed the deer. You are not doing them any favors.

Douglas G. Norquist

Otis Orchards