DEER FEEDING PROHIBITED
Did you know that there is a City Ordinance that prohibits the feeding of deer? It has been found that the feeding of deer contributes to a high deer density in the City which in turn causes a threat to the public health, safety and welfare. The high deer density has resulted in damage to landscapes and damage to the understory of wooded areas. The high deer density also causes an increased potential for accidents between vehicles and deer, and the increased potential for contact with deer ticks that could result in contracting Lyme disease.
CITY CODE CHAPTER 3 - ANIMALS
3.10 FEEDING OF DEER PROHIBITED. 1. Feeding Prohibited. No person shall feed or allow the feeding of any deer or engage in any activity which may reasonably be expected to result in deer feeding, unless such items are screened or protected in a manner that prevents deer from feeding on them. For purposes of this Section, feeding shall mean provision of one-half cubic foot or more of grain, fruit, vegetables, nuts, hay, or other edible material including feed for birds, either on the ground or at a height of less than five (5) feet above the ground, or in any other manner that attracts deer on a regular basis. Living food sources such as fruit trees and other live vegetation shall not be considered as deer feeding. Chapter 3 - 14 2. Exceptions. This prohibition shall not apply to: A. Veterinarians, Animal Control Officers, park maintenance staff, or county, state or federal game officials who, in the course of their duties, have deer in custody or under their management; B. Persons authorized by the City of Mahtomedi to implement a Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Deer Management Program approved by the City Council; or C. Any food placed upon the property for purposes of trapping or otherwise taking deer where such trapping or taking is pursuant to a permit issued by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.