Milwaukee has no city-wide bird-safe building mandate but participates in Lights Out Milwaukee voluntary spring/fall programs. Federal MBTA and Wisconsin Stat. 169 govern wild bird take, nest disturbance, and rehabilitation.
Located on a major Mississippi flyway feeder route, Milwaukee promotes Lights Out Milwaukee, a voluntary program asking downtown high-rises to dim non-essential lighting March 15-May 31 and August 15-October 31. The Milwaukee Climate and Equity Plan endorses bird-friendly glazing for new public buildings, but no mandate exists in Ch. 200 building code. Federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act and Wis. Stat. ch. 169 prohibit taking, possessing, or disturbing native bird nests without a permit. Wildlife rehabilitators must be licensed by the Wisconsin DNR. Residents finding stunned birds during migration should contact the Wisconsin Humane Society's Wildlife Rehabilitation Center.
Disturbing protected nest: federal fine up to $15,000 plus state forfeiture $250-$1,000 under Wis. Stat. 169.04. No city forfeiture for non-participation in Lights Out.
Milwaukee, WI
Milwaukee prohibits intentional feeding of deer, raccoons, coyotes, and other wildlife under Chapter 78. Bird feeders are allowed if maintained to avoid attr...
Milwaukee, WI
Milwaukee does not have a comprehensive dark-sky ordinance. Outdoor lighting is regulated primarily through the zoning code (Chapter 295) which sets standard...
See how Milwaukee's bird protection rules stack up against other locations.
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