Farmington Hills residents can now legally feed deer and other wildlife in their yards after a new Michigan law overrode the city's longstanding ban.

Acting City Manager Karen Mondora announced Tuesday, Aug. 18, that the city will immediately stop enforcing its deer feeding ordinance (City Code Sections 6-10 and 6-11) because state law now governs all wildlife-feeding activity statewide.

The change is effective immediately.

The new rules stem from House Bill 4350, a bipartisan measure sponsored by state Rep. Ken Borton (R-Gaylord) and signed into law July 27. The bill amends Michigan's Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act to allow residents to feed birds and other wildlife even in areas covered by Natural Resources Commission deer and elk feeding orders, as long as the feed is placed within 300 feet of a home and no more than two gallons of feed sits on the ground at once.

Borton said when the bill was signed that the old rules punished routine backyard activity. "Under the previous law, if you had a birdfeeder in your backyard, and a deer happened to come by, you would be committing a crime," Borton said July 27. He said the new law ensures Michigan families can continue feeding wildlife without fear of violating broad restrictions while still placing sensible limits on the amount and location of feed.

Farmington Hills had enforced a full deer feeding ban to support public safety and protect natural habitats. The city will no longer issue warnings or citations under those code sections.

"While the State now permits certain types of wildlife feeding, we strongly encourage residents to be cautious," Mondora said. "Feeding wildlife can contribute to disease transmission and create safety concerns in neighborhoods."

The city's press release includes lists of what is allowable and what remains prohibited under the new state rules. Residents can view the full details on the city's website or contact the Code Enforcement Division at 248-871-2520.