Have A Bird Feeder? New York State Has A Warning

As winter slowly fades across New York State, many homeowners are starting to think about spring. The days are getting longer as we prepare to “spring forward,” and warmer weather is starting to arrive.

But as temperatures climb, wildlife activity also increases.

Deer, moose, and even bears will soon be on the move looking for food after a long winter. That’s why now is a good time to check your property and make sure it isn’t unintentionally attracting wildlife.

For many people, that raises an important question: Could your backyard bird feeder get you into trouble?

New York State Has Strict Rules About Feeding Wildlife

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has very clear rules when it comes to feeding wildlife.

Hunters across New York already know that baiting deer is illegal in most situations. However, people who don’t hunt sometimes assume it’s okay to help wildlife by feeding animals during the winter months.

According to wildlife officials, feeding animals may actually do more harm than good. Artificial feeding can impact herd health, alter natural movement patterns, and potentially increase the spread of diseases among animals.

Chronic Wasting Disease Remains a Major Concern

One reason wildlife officials discourage feeding deer is the ongoing concern surrounding Chronic Wasting Disease.

This disease affects members of the deer family and spreads more easily when animals gather around concentrated food sources. The DEC has worked hard to prevent the disease from spreading within New York State and continues to monitor wildlife populations closely.

Related: New York State Warns About Out-of-State Hunting

Limiting unnatural feeding sources is one of the ways the state tries to reduce that risk.

Are Backyard Bird Feeders Illegal in New York?

Many homeowners wonder whether bird feeders themselves are illegal.

The short answer is no, bird feeders are generally allowed. However, issues can arise if they begin attracting other wildlife like deer or bears.

Based on guidance from the DEC, incidental feeding of animals such as deer, moose, or bears from a bird feeder is typically only considered a violation after a warning has been issued by conservation officers.

"...further prohibits all intentional feeding of wild deer or moose except for several specific circumstances. Incidental feeding such as attraction of deer or moose to a birdfeeder will only be considered a violation if DEC has previously issued a written warning to the person responsible".

If wildlife repeatedly gathers at a feeder and creates a problem, homeowners could be asked to remove or modify the feeder.

Bears Are Beginning to Wake Up

As spring approaches, bears are also emerging from hibernation and searching for easy food sources.

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation advises residents to keep properties as free of food attractants as possible. That includes properly securing garbage, cleaning outdoor grills, and removing other potential food sources.

Read More: $5 Hunting Licenses Available in New York State

If you encounter a bear on your property, the best advice is simple: leave it alone and do not approach it.

If the situation becomes concerning, residents should contact local wildlife officials or the DEC for assistance.

Early March Often Brings “Fake Spring” in New York

While warmer temperatures may be arriving, longtime New Yorkers know that early March often brings what many call “fake spring.”

A brief warm-up can quickly be followed by another blast of colder weather before the season truly changes. Even so, wildlife will already be on the move after a long winter.

Animals will naturally search for any food they can find. Wildlife experts remind residents that animals are well equipped to survive on their own, and human intervention can sometimes create more problems than it solves.