The natural inclination for many people is to put out feed to minimize damage to trees and shrubs, but that isn't a great solution. “Although winter-related starvation can occur, trying to help wildlife through supplemental feeding, or feeding programs, can end up causing these animals more harm than good,” Ministry of Environment Wildlife Biologist Katherine Conkin said. “For example, when deer eat carbohydrate-rich food sources during the winter, such as grain or hay, they can die from a process known as rumen acidosis, or bloat.” Supplemental feeding can also have other negative consequences, such as drawing animals in from long distances and away from good winter cover. It can also increase predation and disease transmission.