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State wildlife officers warn Cambria residents: feeding deer and turkeys can harm animals and invite conflict
Summary
A lieutenant from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife told the Cambria board that feeding wildlife is a criminal misdemeanor that harms animal health and increases human‑wildlife conflicts; he offered educational materials and urged local outreach events and door‑hanger distribution.
The Cambria Community Services District on Feb. 12 heard from Lieutenant Supervisor Matt Gill of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, who urged residents to stop feeding deer, turkeys and other wildlife and outlined the associated public‑health and safety risks.
Gill said feeding wild deer alters their behavior and can concentrate animals in ways that increase disease transmission and vehicle collisions. “It is a criminal violation to feed wildlife,” he said, adding that enforcement typically begins with education and escalates to misdemeanor charges and referral to the district attorney for repeat offenders.
Gill recommended practical outreach steps: distributing CDFW pamphlets, door hangers and staffing community events to educate residents; he offered regional supervision and a phone number for follow‑up (831‑212‑5989). Board members and public commenters supported the idea of handing out door hangers and suggested volunteer neighborhood distribution.
The board welcomed CDFW’s willingness to attend future outreach events and noted that the department has online guidance for low‑risk hummingbird feeders while cautioning against broad broadcasting of bird seed that attracts turkeys and rats.
The board did not take formal action but directed staff to coordinate outreach, and residents volunteered to help with door‑hanger distribution.
