Deer in the Hills

[Guest guest]

Hi-

 

I recently joined the group and wanted to express my

support and appreciation. I have a question about the

deer in the east bay hills, where I moved a few days

ago. I was thrilled to find a group of deer seem to

like hanging out in a little hollow between my

backyard and that of my neighbor's. Would any erudite

members of this group suggest whether it is okay to

leave some fruit (corporate stickers removed!) around

for them? And I am completely off television with

these guys to watch instead around here!

 

Warm regards,

Krishna

 

 

 

The New Search - Faster. Easier. Bingo.

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[Guest guest]

I'd probably stick to watching them rather than begin to feed them on a

regular basis but, one apple here & there would be fine, of course!

 

There are two sides to this debate.

 

There are those that think it is inhumane & dangerous to the deer in the

long-run - see:

http://www.news.wisc.edu/view.html?get=5881

http://outdoors.mainetoday.com/naturewatching/020114deer.shtml

 

However, deer feeding here in the Bay Area, where we do not get cold, harsh

winters, isn't as serious for the herds, of course. The threat of hunters

baiting deer that have come accustomed to feeding might be an issue if

hunting is allowed nearby for the heard you feed.

 

Then there are others who feel deer are a nuisance animal (akin to mice,

rats, raccoons, etc.). They are, of course, very successful living with

people in suburban areas and even urban areas (they can be found in San

Francisco even - out near the golf courses). I personally do not feel any

animal is a nuisance - not even rats - just that they are animals that have

chosen to live amongst us rather than separate from us - something we should

consider interesting and unique, not fearful or annoying. Alas. In this

scenario (living in San Francisco), I honestly do not see the big problem in

feeding them every once in a while - they are already living in a unnatural

type setting and getting by without a true hunting season or any known

natural predators.

 

You can also be jailed for deer feeding in California, unfortunately.

http://espn.go.com/outdoors/conservation/news/2003/0214/1509072.html

 

As far as them getting sick from eating " non-native " plants - that's untrue

mostly. Deer will consume whatever they need to get by, including exotic

plants in the garden, manicured golf courses, or anything else that's green

or growing surrounding our homes/urban areas.

 

You probably have Black-tailed Deer. They do enjoy fruit - esp. berries.

http://www.bear-tracker.com/deer.html

http://www.naturepark.com/btdeer.htm

http://www2.ucsc.edu/police/deer.html

http://www.millvalley94941.com/black-tailed-deer-family.jpg (picture of deer

feeding in Mill Valley from a backyard feeding station)

 

Enjoy!