PIERRE, S.D. – Feeding wildlife can be one of the most enjoyable outdoor experiences in South Dakota. However, there are factors that may make this feeding harmful to wildlife.
Feeding wildlife can bring an emotional attachment to the world around us, and if it is done properly it can be a rewarding experience. It must be done consistently throughout the winter and with the correct food for each wildlife species. However, when done sporadically and incorrectly, the results can be devastating.
“The feeding of wildlife, especially in an around populated areas, can lead to negative interactions between humans and wildlife,” said Will Morlock, a regional wildlife manager for the Department of Game, Fish and Parks. “For instance, feeding deer within a city’s limits may attract deer into town and cause damage to gardens and other landscape plantings. There can also be interactions between vehicles and animals that cause property damage, as well as injury or death for the animals.”
But there are other consequences that may cause damage to wildlife. A recent example occurred in northeastern South Dakota, where a cow moose had wandered the countryside for several weeks.
“The moose had evidentially found an area to its liking, as it had been cruising the vicinity for several weeks, and appeared to be doing well on available feed,” Morlock said. “Moose need a diet high in fiber, and this cow was doing well on a diet of small tree branches, native grasses and other plant materials it found in the area.” He noted that this was not the bull moose that had recently been transferred from the Sioux Falls area to the northeast corner of the state.
“The moose had drawn the interest of people in the area,” Morlock said. “Unfortunately for the moose, a well-intentioned individual provided soybean meal to supplement the moose’s diet. What the individual didn’t realize is that a moose’s digestive system is not accustomed to such rich food and cannot properly digest the materials.”
The result was a fairly quick and painful death, similar to what is referred to as “bloating” in domestic livestock. Other big game, like deer and antelope, are susceptible to serious consequences for a sudden change in diet. A similar incident occurred several years ago when well meaning individuals in a western South Dakota community put out lettuce and other produce near the end of town for antelope after a blizzard. Some of the antelope also perished.
“We certainly respect the concern and interest the citizens of our state have for wildlife,” Morlock said. “I would suggest that the first step be to bring these concerns to the attention of a GFP office or a local conservation officer. We can provide information on feeding wildlife, and if there is a way we can provide relief for distressed wildlife, we will do our best to respond to those incidences.”
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