Wildlife
Fridley is home to a variety of wildlife including deer, turkeys, birds, coyotes and more. In Springbrook Nature Center, we estimate 200 bird species live in or pass through the Nature Center each year. Over 1500 species of mammals, reptiles, amphibians, fish, insects and other macro invertebrates, plus more than 350 species trees, shrubs wild flowers and other plants live there.
Deer Management
In response to deer population surveys, an increase in deer-vehicle collisions and resident feedback, we have worked with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, the United States Department of Agriculture and Fridley Public Safety Department to organize a safe and effective strategy to manage the deer population in Fridley. Read the Deer Management Plan linked below to learn more about this process.
February 2023
During the months of February and March, a deer population management will be conducted. A small team of trained wildlife managers will work to remove 30 deer from the city in secure locations. Work will be conducted at night and with the use of sound-dampening technology to virtually eliminate any impact to residents.
The City values its deer and all wildlife in Fridley. The goal is to limit, not eliminate, the deer population to the recommended level of 15-20 per square mile.
Interested in learning more about deer management? Visit the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) website. The DNR has information on deer populations, goal-setting, chronic wasting disease and open house discussions.
Don't Feed the Deer
It's not uncommon for wintering deer to eat themselves to death despite having reserves of fat. The deer pictured above died after overeating from the pile of corn shown in the photo's background. Supplemental feeding can result in enterotaxaemia, a fatal disease commonly called grain overload.
While providing piles of corn, hay or other feed can be a feel-good act, it often results in bad consequences: disease, auto accidents, habitat loss and animal behavior changes.