Deer in Pinawa stroll through town, bed down in yards, and wander the schoolyard. (CBC)

The deer in a Manitoba town have become so tame they eat out of people's hands and pester school kids for their lunches.

The not-so-wild wildlife in Pinawa, about 110 kilometres northeast of Winnipeg, on the northern edge of Whiteshell Provincial Park, are everywhere — in backyards, on the sidewalks, in schoolyards, and sometimes even in the kitchen.

Resident Jacquelyn Landry came home one day to find her children feeding one in the kitchen of their house. Almost everyone in town has a story about their encounters, and most everyone has their flowerbeds and gardens protected with high fencing to keep the hungry deer from nibbling the new shoots.

The normally skittish animals started showing up in the past decade, but were apprehensive around people. In recent years, however, their numbers and comfort level have both increased.

The deer have become tame enough to eat from people's hands and even pester kids for their lunch. (CBC)

Devon Turner, a teacher at the local elementary school, said the deer are confident in approaching the kids, which has caused some anxiety for staff. While the animals are cute and seemingly gentle, they can still be dangerous.

Resident Maralyn McNeill's dog was killed three years ago by a buck. She said people must realize they are flirting with danger by getting too cozy with the deer. During rutting season, the large bucks are particularly dangerous and can attack unprovoked.

Turner said the school had to implement new rules after the deer started hassling kids for their lunches. Students must now eat inside the school before going out to play.

The town council also has a fine of $500 on the books for anyone caught feeding the deer, although not a single ticket has been handed out since the bylaw was adopted in 2002.

However, several warnings have been issued to people, said deputy Mayor Lynn Patterson.

"People need to remember these are wild animals and they can be dangerous," she said.