OLYMPIA, Wash. - With the severe weather we've been having lately, it can be tempting to put some food out for animals but according to biologists with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW), you may be doing them more harm than good.

"We know the sight of hungry-looking deer in deep snow can be distressing," said Dave Brittell, WDFW assistant director for wildlife management.  "Some people feel compelled to feed them, but artificial feeding can actually do more harm than good."

Here are the reasons:

• Feeding can draw animals into areas near roads where they stand a chance of getting struck by a vehicle.
• Feeding concentrates animals, making them more vulnerable to disease, predators and poaching.
• Animals are not adjusted to 'artificial' food.  For example, it can take weeks for a deer's digestive system to adjust to artificial feed and if they don't have enough fat reserves to get through the adjustment period, they can die - even with bellies full of feed (because they can't digest it).

Even backyard bird feeding, which many people do, is discouraged.

"Feeding is generally unnecessary for most bird populations but it does allow for close-up viewing," said Brittell.  "We recommend that birders who choose to feed keep feeding stations clean to avoid spreading disease."

So how can you help wildlife in the winter?  Here are some tips:

• Avoid disturbing animals so they can conserve vital energy.
• Keep dogs confined.
• Slow down while driving through a wildlife habitat.

For more resources:

• Winter wildlife feeding fact sheet
• Winter bird feeding