Twelve Deer Found Dead in N.H.. Here’s Why…

This is such a sad story because the deer didn't die from natural causes, they died from good intentions.

It's been a long, brutally cold winter with incredible snow falls. Wildlife fans in New Hampshire concerned about the deer finding enough food to make it through the winter, started feeding them with corn, hay and deer pellets.

Unfortunately, it killed the entire deer yard of twelve animals. Deer digestive systems need time to gradually adjust to a change in diet. If not, bad bacteria grows and eventually poisons their body.

It was traumatizing to the people who had only the best if intentions, when they were notified by the Fish and Game Conservation Officer of the mass loss. Neighbors who had been feeding them immediately cleaned up the sites.

Not only does feeding deer put them in danger of acidosis, but by increasing their density it makes them more vulnerable to predators, traffic and disease.

How can you help the local deer population?

• Habitat improvement. A canopy of trees will provide cover from wind and snow.
• Snowmobile trails and snow shoe trails make it easier for deer to traverse deep snow and to conserve much needed energy.
•  Contact your Maine Forest Service District Forester at http://www.maine.gov/doc/mfs/fpm/ df_visit.htm