Don’t Feed Wildlife

Due to the severe drought conditions in many parts of Wyoming, the Wyoming Game and Fish Department is reminding people not to put out feed for the wildlife.   Officials point out that regardless of winter conditions, there may be significant losses of wildlife this year.  Each winter says Wildlife Management Coordinator Daryl Lutz, many well intentioned people begin to feed mule deer, under the assumption it will ensure their survival through winter. However, Lutz says their digestive systems cannot adapt effectively to any feed we could provide.  As such, supplemental feeding often causes more harm than good to mule deer and does not measurably increase their chances of survival.  Lutz says this has been the second driest and second hottest summer in history and according to some individuals, who have lived here their entire lives; it is the worst they can remember.