MCCALL, Idaho — The McCall City Council unanimously passed an ordinance on Sept. 28 prohibiting the feeding of deer within city limits. The ordinance, which goes into effect immediately, calls for a $100 fine for a first offense and misdemeanor charges for subsequent offenses.

The ordinance was passed after months of public engagement and education efforts. City officials worked with the public to develop the ordinance and to answer questions about the benefits of banning deer feeding.

“McCall is cherished for its natural beauty and wildlife,” said Mayor Bob Giles. “By passing this ordinance, we are not only safeguarding our environment but also honoring our responsibility to the creatures that share our home. Our community is dedicated to preserving the essence of McCall for generations to come.”

There are a number of reasons why city officials decided to ban deer feeding. Feeding deer can make them habituated to humans, which can lead to aggressive behavior and property damage. Second, feeding deer can attract predators such as mountain lions and coyotes into urban areas. Third, feeding deer can contribute to the spread of disease among the deer population.

The city is asking visitors to refrain from feeding the deer and to observe them from a respectful distance. This will help to protect the deer and to preserve the balance of the local ecosystem.

©️ Rocky Mountain Dispatch 2023