Wildlife
Our Natural Neighbors
Did you know Burnsville is crawling with awesome wildlife? Spot everything from deer and foxes to hundreds of bird species right in your neighborhood! These cool critters make our parks and backyards way more exciting.
Please, Do Not Feed Wildlife
Tossing food to wild animals might seem nice, but it messes up their natural skills and creates problems when they start expecting human handouts. Keep our wildlife wild by watching from a distance and letting them find their own meals.
Deer Management Goals:
- Manage the deer population at socially acceptable levels
- Maintain the health of Burnsville’s woodland habitat
- Maintain the health of our deer herd
Annual Reports
Annual Reports – Summarize deer management activities and population data from April 1 to March 31 each year.
The latest reports and maps are available online, with older records available upon request. For questions, contact the Natural Resources Department.
Population Control
Our Efforts
To keep the deer population at a healthy level, we use two methods: sharpshooting by the Burnsville Police Department and organized archery hunts in public parks.
- Sharpshooting takes place in winter at specific sites, with venison donated to local food shelves.
- Archery hunts are highly organized and occur on designated public parkland.
- Temporary park closures may occur, with signs posted on-site and updates provided online.
No Deer Feeding Allowed
Feeding deer is prohibited by City ordinance (City Code 6-2-25) because it attracts them to residential areas, leading to property damage, increased car collisions, and an unnaturally high deer population.
What’s Not Allowed? – No grain, salt licks, fruits, vegetables, nuts, hay, bird seed or other food that could attract deer can be placed on or near the ground.
Wildlife Feeders – Must be at least 5 feet off the ground or otherwise blocked so deer can’t access them.
Report Issues – If deer are causing problems on your property or you see someone feeding them, submit a monitoring report to help the City track and manage deer-related concerns.
Bowhunting
Bowhunting is restricted within City limits but may be allowed in select situations. Hunters must follow all City ordinances and state regulations.
Private Property:
- Bowhunting is only allowed with written permission from the property owner.
- Must be at least 200 feet from other buildings or property lines.
- Arrows cannot cross property boundaries.
- Most city lots are too small to meet these requirements.
Public Property:
- Bowhunting is not allowed in City parks unless part of an approved deer management hunt.
- Special hunts at Kelleher Park are organized by the Metro Bowhunters Resource Base (MBRB).
- An archery hunt will be held at Kelleher Park in Fall 2025. There will be two hunt periods - October 10-12 and November 14-16.
- Most active use portions of the park will be remain open during the hunt, including the playground and regional trail. Signs will be posted at any closed portions of the park.
For full details, refer to the City’s firearms and bowhunting ordinance in the City Code (6-3 Firearms).
Healthy Behavior
Coyotes are a common part our our wildlife; there is no reason to be alarmed. Coyotes are secretive and avoid humans, although residents may hear their calls, barks, and yips, especially in the fall. Their primary food sources are small and medium sized mammals such as mice and rabbits.
While coyotes may be a concern for small dogs and cats, they are not a threat for people. If you see one, wave your arms and make noise to scare them off.
Unhealthy Behavior
If you notice a coyote acting aggressive towards people or is acting sick, call 9-1-1.
| Pollinators are nature’s tiny but mighty helpers, including bees, butterflies, birds and even bats! Their job is to move pollen from one flower to another, helping plants produce fruits, vegetables and seeds. Without them, we’d have fewer apples, berries and even chocolate. They don’t even realize they’re working—while they sip nectar or gather pollen, they help plants grow and keep ecosystems thriving. |
Pollinator-Friendly Gardening: Simple Steps for a Thriving Yard
Want to make your yard a buzzing, fluttering paradise for pollinators? It’s easier than you think!
- Go Native – Local plants are a feast for pollinators, giving them the best food and shelter.
- Host the Babies – Some plants, like milkweed for monarchs, are the perfect nursery for caterpillars.
- Think Year-Round – Choose flowers that bloom in different seasons so pollinators always have something tasty to sip on.
- Skip the Harsh Stuff – Reduce pesticide use to keep your garden safe for these tiny heroes.
- Let It Be Messy – Leave stems, grasses, and even a few fallen logs or un-raked spots to give bees a cozy winter home.
Wild turkeys might seem like fun backyard visitors, but feeding them or making them too comfortable can lead to some unexpected (and not-so-great) encounters.
- No Snacks for Turkeys – Feeding wildlife makes them lose their natural fear of humans, leading to bold behavior and bigger flocks in residential areas.
- Make Your Yard Less Inviting – Remove birdseed spills, secure trash, and avoid leaving pet food outside to keep turkeys from hanging around.
- Scare, Don’t Share – If turkeys get too close, make loud noises, wave your arms, or use a hose to encourage them to move along.
- Stay Safe on the Road – Turkeys can be unpredictable, so stay alert while driving in areas where they roam.
By keeping turkeys wild and wary, we can avoid conflicts and help them thrive in their natural habitat—where they belong.