WDFW warns ranchers, farmers to secure feed after wildfires

WENATCHEE — As wildfires continue to impact the region, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is asking farmers, ranchers and landowners to prevent accidentally feeding impacted wildlife.

After a wildfire, the agency says deer, elk, bighorn sheep, turkeys, and other wildlife may be drawn to haystacks and other stored feed as they search for food and cover. Concentrating wildlife around haystacks can increase conflicts with people and pets, damage feed supplies, and spread disease among wildlife or between wildlife and domestic animals, WDFW warns.

WDFW says wildlife are highly resilient and adapted to move in response to changing conditions, including wildfire. Though providing food and water could seem helpful, it can be detrimental to the animal’s long-term well-being. Access to human-provided food and water can alter natural behavior, encourage them to remain in burned areas rather than move to suitable habitat, and draw them closer to roads, homes, livestock, pets, and people. Additionally, feeding many Washington wildlife species — including deer, elk, bighorn sheep and turkeys — is illegal due to public safety and wildlife disease concerns.

WDFW suggests keeping hay covered or stored in an enclosed area when practical, cleaning up spilled feed promptly, and using appropriate fencing or other deterrents to discourage deer, elk, or turkeys from gathering near barns, homes, and livestock areas.

Landowners who encounter injured wildlife should report it to a permitted wildlife rehabilitator rather than attempting to care for the animal themselves, as improper care can worsen an animal's condition, the agency warns.