Bloomington Considers Measures to Tackle Rising Deer Populations Amid Feeding Concerns

deer-01

Concerns are rising over increasing deer populations in and around Bloomington, prompting city officials to consider new measures. Experts from the Indiana DNR attribute the population surge to the practice of people feeding deer. Whether through providing deer feed in yards or other means, this trend has caught the attention of city leaders, who are now contemplating an ordinance to address the issue. The proposed ordinance would impose a $50 fine on individuals caught feeding deer within city limits. An excess of deer can lead to overgrazing, impacting forests and other wildlife’s food sources. Moreover, feeding deer foods like hay, corn, fruit, grain, nuts, wheat, and vegetables—not part of their natural diet—can result in health complications.