MOUNT CARMEL - Local municipal officials are reminding visitors to their deer displays that they shouldn't feed the animals.
The extra caution comes after a U.S. Department of Agriculture inspector reportedly called the providers of the deer for Mount Carmel's display, expressing concern over the deer being overfed.
It seems word spread from there to other communities. Kulpmont, Tharptown and Atlas also have deer in pens during the Christmas season. For example, Kulpmont followed Mount Carmel's lead in posting a notice in the newspaper, and a sign hangs at the Tharptown display, "Please do not feed the reindeer."
Mount Carmel Mayor J. Kevin Jones isn't sure why there is an issue after the borough has been careful to follow instructions year after year.
"They've never mentioned the food before, but we will abide by what they say," he said earlier this week.
Jan Tobias-Kieffer, director of public relations for Lake Tobias Wildlife Park, Halifax area, which provided the deer at Mount Carmel, said USDA inspector Mary Geib contacted the park about Mount Carmel's display.
"The park manager informed me the inspector spoke to Mount Carmel officials to have them put up a sign concerning the food given," Tobias-Kieffer said.
She said it was only a suggestion, and that no rules were violated.
She said organizations that host deer are given a list of suggestions from the USDA, including instructions to replace water and food daily and to keep drinking water from freezing. Also, things such as tarps and blankets are to be kept secure so that animals can't chew on them.
As for food from the public, the USDA's suggestion sheet reads:
"Control feeding by outsiders to avoid foreign or hazardous food being fed to the deer and/or people being bitten. A suggestion might be to purchase coin-operated corn and pellet machines and install a tube through the wire fence to let feed flow through."
Attempts to contact Geib for clarification on the issue were unsuccessful.
Jones said the borough over the years has increased the size of its cage, installed signs warning visitors to keep dogs away and installed new fencing so something or someone cannot be pushed into the deer area. He agrees with keeping the water from freezing, but notes the borough doesn't leave its water warmer in constantly for fear of exposing dry straw to a hot wire.
From what he's observed, Jones believes the deer use self-control when it comes to eating anyway.
"Animals like this do not gorge, they nibble," he said.