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Anchorage, AK Animal Ordinances: Bird Protection (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Governing chapter
AMC 15.120, Disturbing Wildlife
Adopted
AO No. 2026-53(S), April 2026
Covers
Birds of prey, wild animals, invasive species
Exempts
Bird feeders, lawful hunting bait, trash storage
Penalty
Civil fine, $50–$1,000 per offense

Summary

Anchorage prohibits feeding wild animals, birds of prey, or invasive wildlife like rock doves and starlings, or leaving food that attracts them, to prevent dangerous habituation: with narrow exceptions for lawful bait, bird feeders, and trash handling.

Except as provided in this section or under terms of a permit issued by the Municipality, the State of Alaska, or the United States federal government, a person may not:

1. Negligently feed wild animals or birds of prey or deleterious exotic wildlife, or negligently leave human food, animal food, or garbage in a manner that attracts these animals; or 2. Intentionally feed wild animals or birds of prey or deleterious exotic wildlife, or intentionally leave human food, animal food, or garbage in a manner that attracts these animals.

B. These prohibitions do not apply to the lawful use of bait for hunting or trapping, the lawful use of bird feeders, or the lawful handling of trash pursuant to this title. (AO No. 2026-53(S), 4-28-2026)

Source: Alaska Department of Fish and GameView official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 5010260; v11 updated 2026-09-01).

Full Breakdown

Municipal code chapter 15.120, Disturbing Wildlife, bars residents from negligently or intentionally feeding wild animals (moose, bear, coyote, wolverine, fox), birds of prey (eagles, hawks, owls, falcons), or "deleterious exotic wildlife", a list that includes rock doves, starlings, English sparrows, and unconfined rabbits or ferrets, or leaving human food, pet food, or garbage where it draws them in. The Anchorage Assembly adopted the ban in 2026 to curb dangerous habituation near people and pets. Lawful hunting or trapping bait, backyard bird feeders, and code-compliant trash storage are exempted. Violations are civil offenses enforced under the municipality's chapter 14.60 fine schedule.

Violations & Fines

Feeding banned birds or wildlife is a civil offense under AMC 15.120.030; general code violations run $50 to $1,000 per offense under AMC 1.45.010, with each day a separate violation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I still use a bird feeder in Anchorage?
Yes. AMC 15.120.020(B) exempts the lawful use of bird feeders, along with legal hunting/trapping bait and code-compliant trash handling, from the feeding ban.
What counts as a bird of prey under the ordinance?
AMC 15.120.010 defines birds of prey as eagles, hawks, owls, falcons, and other carnivorous birds that hunt and feed on other animals.
Does the ban cover pigeons and starlings?
Yes: the code lists rock doves (pigeons) and starlings as "deleterious exotic wildlife," so intentionally or negligently feeding them or leaving attractant food is prohibited under AMC 15.120.020.

Sources & Official References

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All Anchorage rules

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