Keep Wildlife Wild: Why You Shouldn’t Feed Deer in Middleburg Heights
Winter is on its way, and many residents in Middleburg Heights may feel inclined to help local wildlife by feeding deer. While this is a kindhearted gesture, feeding deer is not only a violation of our City ordinances, it can do more harm than good.
White-tailed deer are well-adapted to survive Ohio’s winter months. In the fall, they naturally build up fat reserves to carry them through the season, regulating their diet and energy to make the most of these reserves. Supplemental feeding disrupts these natural survival tactics, causing deer to rely on human-provided food instead of their natural sources. This shift impacts their health, making them more susceptible to aggressive encounters, disease, predation, and vehicle collisions. For the long-term health and safety of both deer and the community, it’s best to allow these animals to follow their natural feeding patterns.
The City’s Deer Management Efforts
Middleburg Heights is committed to responsibly managing the local deer population. In late November or early December, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) will conduct an aerial survey of the city, using drones and infrared technology to map areas where deer are most concentrated. These survey results will provide the city with critical data, helping officials determine where and how to best manage the deer population.
As the city works to balance ecological health, public safety, and animal welfare, residents can do their part by refraining from feeding the deer. Let’s keep our wildlife wild and ensure Middleburg Heights remains a safe, healthy community for all.
