BELLINGHAM, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – Putting out snacks for wildlife puts some animals in danger – and now it could cost you.

The Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) approved a rule on Saturday, May 17 making it illegal to feed deer, moose or elk in Washington.

It’s also illegal to place feed for other wildlife if it causes deer, moose or elk to congregate.

WDFW says feeding draws animals together and makes them more vulnerable to spreading diseases and poaching.

The agency says feeding areas can also draw animals across roads, where they present a safety hazard and could be hit by cars.

The ban follows the emergence of the deadly chronic waste disease (CWD) which was first detected in 2024 but has not yet spread outside Eastern Washington.