Stop! It's illegal to feed the deer and other wild animals         

[NOV. 2, 2005]  SPRINGFIELD -- Illinois residents are reminded that it is illegal to feed wild deer. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources strictly enforces this law in an attempt to stop the spread of chronic wasting disease.

According to Section 635.40 of the 17 Ill. Admin. Code -- Feeding or Baiting of Wildlife, "It shall be illegal to make available food, salt, mineral blocks or other products for ingestion by wild deer or other wildlife in areas where wild deer are present."

People caught violating this law could face a maximum fine of $1,000.

"When deer congregate in areas where people have left food, it increases the potential of spreading diseases that are transmitted by animal-to-animal contact, such as CWD," said Joel Brunsvold, Department of Natural Resources director.

Exceptions to this rule include feeding birds and squirrels in residential areas.

"We know that people enjoy feeding birds and squirrels, and we aren't trying to impact homeowners and their individual feeders," Brunsvold said.

Chronic wasting disease is a fatal disease that affects neurological systems in deer and elk. Affected animals will become emaciated, display abnormal behavior, lose coordination and eventually die. CWD is not known to be contagious to humans or livestock.

For a complete list of the exemptions, call [phone] or check http://dnr.state.il.us/legal/rule-status.htm.

[Illinois Department of Natural Resources news release]

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