As spring comes to Michigan, road-killed deer become more apparent as snow melts, causing concern for some motorists. The Department of Natural Resources reminds citizens that disposal of road-killed deer is generally the responsibility of the local road commission.

If property owners find a dead deer on their property that was likely hit by a vehicle, it is their responsibility to properly dispose of the carcass, provided that they choose to do anything at all. Dead deer and other carrion do not present any special human health risks in most situations, but do provide food for scavengers and other wildlife. If property owners choose to do something that makes the carrion less available to pets and scavengers, then the carcass can be buried on site, care being taken to make sure it is completely covered. Deer carcasses also can be disposed of at a landfill that takes general household refuse.

People who see distressed animals, such as deer, can report them to the local DNR office, but should not assume the deer is ill unless they can walk right up to them. Many times deer emerging from wintering yards may appear thin and stressed, but that is often their natural condition after a long winter. If a deer runs off when you approach it, there is no reason for concern. But if an animal allows you to walk right up to it, that's a sign that it may be ill and the local DNR office should be notified.

The DNR reminds property owners that there is a permanent ban on baiting and feeding deer in the Lower Peninsula.

"If deer appear stressed, remember this is a natural condition as they emerge from winter," said Mike Bailey, DNR Wildlife Division's supervisor for species and habitat. "Supplemental feeding of deer is prohibited in the Lower Peninsula due to disease concerns, and deer will find plentiful natural food as spring progresses."