MONADNOCK REGION, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) As snow blankets New Hampshire, deer across the state are beginning to alter their behavior, often forming larger groups in search of shelter and sustenance. However, despite the urge to help these iconic woodland animals, state wildlife experts warn that feeding deer can cause more harm than good.

According to a news release from The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, officials are urging residents to resist offering food to deer, emphasizing that these animals are well-equipped to survive winter without human intervention.

“People often mean well, but feeding deer can lead to serious consequences, including illness and death,” explained Becky Fuda, the department’s Deer Project Leader, in the release.

Deer have evolved several adaptations that allow them to endure harsh winter conditions, Fuda said. Their thick, insulative coats help retain heat, and they rely on stored body fat for energy. They also instinctively reduce their activity levels and food intake during winter, conserving resources while seeking refuge in specialized forest habitats known as deer yards.

These habitats, often located on privately owned land, are carefully managed in collaboration with landowners. Feeding deer disrupts this delicate balance, drawing them away from these safe zones and potentially undermining conservation efforts.

“It’s difficult to ask landowners to manage deer yards when deer are being pulled to feeding sites instead,” Fuda noted.

The risks of supplemental feeding extend far beyond habitat disruption. Deer have unique digestive systems that rely on specific microorganisms to break down their food. Rapid dietary changes, such as a sudden shift to high-carbohydrate human-provided food, can wreak havoc on their digestion.

Fuda cited a 2015 incident in South Hampton, where 12 deer died after being fed food they couldn’t digest. “Deer are ruminants, and their stomach chemistry shifts gradually with the seasons. Sudden changes can release toxins into their systems,” she explained.

Other dangers associated with feeding deer include increased vehicle collisions, damage to local vegetation, heightened risk of predation, and the spread of diseases among wildlife populations.

“The best way to help deer is by protecting and conserving their natural habitats,” Fuda said.

Residents concerned about deer welfare are encouraged to learn more about the dangers of feeding wildlife by visiting the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department’s website.