Show Low mayor urges residents not to feed elk, deer and other wild animals

Mayor John Leach Junior of Show Low and communications manager Grace Payne urged residents not to feed wild animals, saying the practice can harm animals and increase risks to people and property.

The warning came during a brief city message in which Leach and Payne discussed elk, deer and other wild game that enter the community. They said feeding wildlife can change animals’ behavior, harm their digestion and draw them toward homes and landscaped areas.

"It's very dangerous because they need to, just like any other creature, eat food from their natural habitat," communications manager Grace Payne said. Mayor John Leach Junior added, "I know some folks get encouraged. They think, oh, I heard that you can feed wild live dog food or kibble. Right. And it's really dangerous to their digestive systems, but you're also teaching them that they can come towards houses and, you know, places to get food."

Leach and Payne said habituating animals to humans raises the chance they will damage lawns and other public or private green spaces and could create situations where officials or animal-control personnel must intervene. The speakers stressed that relocation or other responses can follow if animals become a safety threat.

They advised residents who see wildlife to keep a safe distance, document sightings with photos and contact animal-care professionals for guidance. "Take a picture, you know, and make sure you're giving that animal its space," Payne said.

No ordinances or formal actions were announced during the remarks; the segment was an informational message from the mayor's office.