FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 18, 2019
Contact: David Carver
Code Compliance Administrator
479-444-3451
dcarver@fayetteville-ar.gov
Code Compliance to Respond to Deer Feeding and Baiting Reports Within City Limits
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark.— Over the past year, multiple City departments and the Animal Services Advisory Group have researched management options for Fayetteville’s deer population. The City is considering an Integrated Pest Management program that uses a combination of common-sense practices and is asking residents to assist, starting with these four methods:
- Do not feed deer
- Choose plants wisely
- Apply repellents
- Use fencing and netting
As a part of the program, the City is reminding residents that it is unlawful to bait and feed deer in Fayetteville under regulation 07.06 of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. The regulation went into effect on April 25, 2019, and states: It is unlawful to place or deposit foodstuffs, scents, lures, grains, minerals, pelletized feed, or other materials for the purpose of hunting, attracting or enticing wildlife for any reason inside the CWD Management Zone. Fayetteville lies within “Zone 1 Northwestern Arkansas.”
Chronic Wasting Disease is a fatal neurological disease that affects members of the deer family. The disease is transmitted through animal-to-animal contact of bodily fluids like saliva, blood, feces or urine, and indirectly through environmental contamination of soil, food or water. Experts believe Chronic Wasting Disease proteins can remain in the environment for a long time. Baiting and feeding creates an unnatural congregation of deer, which facilitates transfer of the disease through direct or indirect contact.
In coordination with Arkansas Game and Fish Commission and the City Prosecutor’s Office, Fayetteville’s Code Compliance Program will respond to reports of deer feeding. When Code Compliance receives a report, officers will inspect the property where the feeding was reported. If evidence is found, a certified letter will be sent to the property owner seeking compliance. If the owner remains out of compliance, the case will be forwarded to the City Prosecutor’s Office.
Reports of deer feeding can be made online or by phone and can remain anonymous. Please visit www.fayetteville-ar.gov/ohdeer to learn about management efforts and how to make a report.
Please support efforts to reduce the urban deer population and limit the spread of Chronic Wasting Disease.
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