(A) Recreational feeding of deer often causes deer concentrations which develop into depredation and other public safety problems.
(B) Depredation of garden crops and landscaping plants is increasing as deer habitat decreases and deer populations increase within particular areas and neighborhoods in the city.
(C) High deer populations can result in increased car/deer crashes within the community, causing public safety concerns and negative economic impacts such as increased car insurance premium costs.
(D) High deer densities also contribute to the possible spread of chronic diseases among deer populations and chronic wasting disease.
(E) (1) The intent of the City Council is not to unreasonably infringe upon the recreational enjoyment of city residents who observe wildlife and enhance wildlife habitat on their property.
(2) However, the purpose of this artificial feeding ban is to eliminate these deer attractions which, when combined with other management strategies, should reduce, over time, the depredation impacts to adjacent residents, as well as assure the safety of the traveling public on city streets and thoroughfares.
(Ord. 1450, passed 12-1-2009)