State warns of consequences of turning deer into pets
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The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission is advising residents that it is illegal to keep deer as pets and unwise to try to tame deer. Several incidents have occurred across the state this year involving people and dogs being attacked and injured by deer that were likely raised by humans illegally and regularly fed by local neighbors.
Over the past year, there have been reported incidents of people or dogs being attacked by deer in Rockingham, Randolph, Wilkes, Onslow, Iredell and Cherokee counties. Most of these incidents occurred with deer that had either been regularly fed by residents or illegally raised by humans.
In North Carolina, it is unlawful to hold a wild animal in captivity, including deer or wild birds, as a pet, for amusement or companionship purposes. A wildlife captivity license issued by NCWRC can authorize an individual to possess wild animals or wild birds for scientific, educational or exhibition purposes. Further, only licensed wildlife rehabilitators are allowed to rehabilitate fawns in North Carolina.
While it is not illegal to feed deer in most places, NCWRC advises residents against hand-feeding deer or feeding deer to condition them to people. However, in an effort to reduce the spread of Chronic Wasting Disease, the state prohibits baiting and feeding between Jan. 2 through Aug. 31 in CWD Surveillance Areas.
NCWRC advises the public to contact NCWRC’s Wildlife Hotline if someone is illegally housing deer or for guidance on addressing human-deer conflicts.
