A UCD student studying the deer in Phoenix Park has urged the public to be careful about the food they feed them. Laura Griffin, who has been researching the deer at Phoenix Park for the past four summers, told RTE News that the food they feed can be particularly harmful. The wildlife and ecology student said, “We saw them being fed bread. We saw them being fed chocolate, cookies, chips and popcorn that shouldn’t be fed to them. “It’s like junk food for the deer,” she continued. Read More Related Articles Read More Related Articles Laura said that people who come to the park think they are doing something good for the herd but it can actually have negative effects on their health. “People love the deer and while they might bring in carrots, apples, oats and think that this is part of the deer’s natural diet, it is not. Especially not in the amount they get the deer as a result. Some of them can grow smaller antlers, which is a major complication for them during the rut as they use their antlers for sexual competition. “If your antlers are smaller, they will most likely lose, which means they will have less chance of mating. They actually put them at a disadvantage, ”said Laura. She also stated that the roe deer that take food from humans have altered the structure of their gastrointestinal tract. Laura also explained that there is a lot of stress in female deer when people approach them to feed them, especially in the summer when the fawns are just coming out. She said, “If you keep a safe distance, we recommend 50 yards, you will see some incredible natural behaviors.” This gives you incredible photo opportunities – this time of year you can see the fawns outdoors, “see them play, or suckle their mothers maybe even the males grooming and socializing. “Let the wildlife be wild and let the deer be deer.” Read More Related Articles Read More Related Articles
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