Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Wildlife Management topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
CDFW warns Cambria residents: feeding wildlife can be deadly to animals and invite predators
Summary
A lieutenant from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife told the board that feeding deer and other wildlife leads to disease, dependency and increased vehicle collisions; he offered education materials and volunteer outreach.
A lieutenant from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife told the Cambria board that feeding wildlife causes health and safety problems for animals and humans and that repeat unlawful feeding can be prosecuted as a misdemeanor. Lieutenant Matt Gill, who supervises San Luis Obispo and South Monterey County operations, said education is the department’s first tool but that repeat offenders can be referred to the District Attorney.
"Feeding wildlife is dead wrong," Gill told the board and audience, and he cited concerns including adenovirus growth in congregating deer and the increased risk of chronic wasting disease where deer are concentrated. He also warned that concentrated deer herds attract mountain lions and that turkeys can damage vehicles during breeding season. Gill offered pamphlets and noted that door-hanger outreach at community events could be effective.
