Sadly, my post this week is more of a public service announcement that I feel compelled to make. I know many people feel they are being kind to wildlife by feeding them. Over the years when I post photos of deer I've sometimes had a comment here, and on Facebook, as to if I was leaving "cracked corn" outside for the deer to eat? When I would answer that it is not only against the law in Colorado to feed any wildlife, but it is also dangerous to their health I'd sometimes get a return answer that they were only "trying to help," and that it was something that they do for their local deer. It isn't helping, it's hurting. If you look at the photo collage of my neighbor's photos above you can see a young doe that suffered and died in a neighbor's yard this past week from eating food not compatible with a wild deer's digestive system. Her two fawns stayed by her side the entire time until she died. The neighbor offered the doe water and called both our community's rangers and Colorado Parks and Wildlife services for help. She was told that the deer likely had Rumen Acidosis, and had a 50-50 chance of survival, as there is no treatment for it. In cases like this, they decide to let "nature take its course." The poor deer sadly did not make it.
Rumen acidosis occurs when wild or domestic ruminants (deer, elk, moose, cattle, sheep, etc.) ingest large quantities of readily digestible and highly fermentable carbohydrates. Usually grain, corn, wheat, and barley are most commonly responsible for rumen acidosis, while apples, grapes, bread, and sugar beets are less commonly involved. Also, large quantities of birdseed can have a deleterious effect on a deer's digestion. If bird feeders are used they should be at least 10 feet off the ground so that the deer can't reach them. In our area, we are advised not to hang bird feeders from March until November as bears will also be attracted to the birdseed.
A deer's normal diet consists of a lot of fiber from eating plants. They certainly seem to know the ones they like to eat! Even in winter, they find enough food to exist. I've seen them dig under the snow for dead leaves to eat, so I try not to rake all my leaves up in the fall.
The good news for the twin fawns of the deer that died is that at this point in their development they are basically weaned and eating the same plants as adults.
The other good news is that the twin fawns seemed to have found another fawn to follow and its doe is allowing them to follow her too. Hopefully, they will continue to thrive.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife has a good article about why feeding wildlife does more harm than good and puts everyone at risk. It's worth a read if you love nature--Feeding Wildlife Puts Everyone at Risk.
In other news in Colorado, there are four active wildfires in progress in our state. Our state has experienced higher than usual temperatures and insignificant rain this summer. For the first time in eight years, the entire state is in drought condition. Thankfully, there has been no loss of life. Although these fires are located far from the Denver area we are getting much smoke blanketing the entire front range. Interstate 70 has been closed for the Grizzly Creek Fire and the Pibe Gulch Fire on the Western slope is turning into one of the largest ever fought in Colorado.
Our area is not immune from wildfire as the Black Forest Wildfire was one of the most destructive, and the Deer Creek Fire last summer was closer to home for us.
The firefighters are working so hard--please say a prayer for their safety and also for a good drenching rain to pass through our state very soon--we really need it!
Stay happy, safe, and healthy!
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