(InEDC) Cris Alarcon & Staff, SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, EL DORADO COUNTY – Fish and Wildlife Commission to discuss making a recommendation to the Board of Supervisors to change County Ordinance 4437 related to feeding of deer. Agendized for 9/27/2023
In an attempt to preserve wildlife habitats and ensure public safety, local authorities may implemented a ban on feeding wild deer, a decision that has ignited a passionate debate among the community. While some argue that the ban is necessary for the protection of both humans and deer, others criticize it as an unnecessary restriction on personal freedom and a misguided conservation approach.
The picturesque woodlands within our county have long been a sanctuary for wild deer, enchanting both residents and tourists alike. However, concerns about the increasing interaction between humans and deer have prompted authorities to take action. Experts argue that feeding deer disrupts their natural behavior, leading them to rely on artificial food sources and become more accustomed to human presence, which can potentially result in negative consequences for both parties involved.
One of the most compelling arguments supporting the feeding ban revolves around public safety. As the deer population grows accustomed to being fed, they become habituated to human presence, increasing the risk of aggressive behavior, particularly during mating season or when protecting their young. Incidents involving deer injuring or even attacking unsuspecting individuals have been on the rise, casting a shadow over the once-harmonious coexistence between humans and nature.
Additionally, environmentalists state that feeding deer can negatively impact their overall wellbeing. Wild deer require a natural diet consisting of local vegetation, which provides the necessary nutrients for their optimal growth and health. An artificial diet can lead to deficiencies and contribute to disease susceptibility, disrupting the balance of the local ecosystem.
However, critics of the feeding ban argue that it infringes upon their personal rights to interact with wildlife and appreciate the beauty of these majestic creatures up-close. They assert that controlled feeding can be a harmless, educational experience for children and provides an emotional connection to nature that should not be denied.
Opponents of the ban further argue that rather than imposing restrictions, education and responsible feeding guidelines should be encouraged. Supporters agree that awareness campaigns and regulations could strike a balance between human enjoyment and wildlife preservation, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the integrity of natural habitats.
As local authorities continue to weigh the arguments from both sides, it remains uncertain how this contentious issue will unfold. The debate over feeding wild deer brings to light the complex dynamics between humans and wildlife, ultimately forcing us to question the boundaries of coexistence.
While the feeding ban aims to protect both humans and deer, it also tests the limits of our shared responsibility to preserve wildlife and appreciate their untamed beauty. In the coming weeks, the eyes of the community will remain fixed on this controversial topic, waiting to see if compromise can be reached or whether this divide will deepen.
Only time will reveal the outcome as the county grapples with finding the delicate balance between the preservation of nature’s wonders and the thriving vitality of our community.
Ordinance 4437:
Sec. 6.28.055. – Feeding of wild or non-domesticated animals.
A. In the South Lake Tahoe watershed within the County, as delineated on the official maps of the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency, no person shall knowingly and willfully feed or in any manner provide access to food to any wild animal, as defined in Section 6.28.050, of the class Mammalia (mammals).
B. In all portions of the County not specified in Subsection A of this section, no person shall knowingly and willfully feed or in any manner provide access to food to any coyote, mountain lion, or bear.
C. Violations of this section shall be deemed an infraction. In addition, violations of this section are hereby declared to constitute a public nuisance which threatens the public health and safety and which shall be subject to abatement through applicable administrative and judicial proceedings.
D. This section shall not apply to any person who has legal possession of any such animal and who has a permit from the State Department of Fish and Game and the Director of Animal Control to keep such animal.
(Code 1997, § 6.28.055; Ord. No. 4437, 1997)
