CHAT News File Photo

By Chris Brown

City looking at wildlife feeding bylaw

Jul 10, 2023 | 3:17 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – An increase in calls about deer in residential areas potentially attracted by people feeding them has prompted a reminder from bylaw about the dangers of feeding deer in the city and further action could be taken this summer.

Medicine Hat Police Service’s Municipal Bylaw Enforcement Section posted on Twitter about the risk factors for the deer as well as citizens and property.

The risks include more vehicle collisions, an increased risk of attacks to dogs and dog owners and attracting other rodents or unwanted wildlife.

Acting bylaw supervisor Colin Heyens says he knows people want to enjoy the beauty of the deer but it’s best to let wildlife be wildlife.

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Heyens says City of Medicine Hat administration is currently looking at a bylaw that would prohibit residents from feeding wildlife in Medicine Hat.

“Right now we kind of have to deal with it for unsightly property if people are putting piles of food out or making a mess, or improper disposal of waste,” he says.

“So that’s why the bylaw is obviously a need for the community. There’s several places in town where people regularly try to feed wildlife and it does create a little bit of headaches for neighbours that we’re trying to deal with as best as we can right now and then hopefully you know with some education and with the new bylaw we can curb this behaviour.”

Heyens says he would like to see the bylaw in place for the fall before deer go into their rutting season.