Plymouth, MN Animal Ordinances: Bird Protection (2026)
Key Facts
- Nest disturbance
- Banned without City authorization
- Weapons/projectiles at wildlife
- Banned in parks
- Trapping devices
- Banned without City authorization
- Applies to
- All Plymouth park land and nature areas
- Governing section
- Plymouth City Code § 805.09, Subds. 11-12
Summary
In the City of Plymouth, Minnesota, City Code Section 805.09, Subds. 11-12 make it unlawful for anyone but a City-authorized person to disturb or destroy a bird or animal nest in a City park, to shoot at or throw objects at any bird or animal there, or to set a trap, snare or net to catch one.
Subd. 11.Hunting. Only City authorized persons shall disturb, injure or destroy any bird or animal nest within the limits of any park, nor shall any person aim or discharge any air gun, sling shot, arrow or other weapon, or throw any stone or other projectile, at any bird or animal within any park, nor in any manner capture, kill or harm in any way any bird or animal therein. ... Subd. 12.Trapping. Only City authorized persons shall set, lay, prepare or have in their possession any trap, snare, artificial light, net, bird line, ferret or any contrivance whatever, for the purpose of trapping, catching, taking or killing any bird or animal within any park.
Full Breakdown
09, Subd. 11 of the Plymouth City Code, titled 'Hunting,' reserves to City-authorized persons alone the right to disturb, injure or destroy any bird or animal nest within the limits of a City park. The same subdivision bars any person from aiming or discharging an air gun, slingshot, arrow or other weapon, or throwing a stone or other projectile, at any bird or animal in a park, and from capturing, killing or harming a bird or animal there in any manner. Subd. 12, titled 'Trapping,' extends the same City-authorization requirement to devices: only a City-authorized person may set, lay, prepare or possess a trap, snare, artificial light, net, bird line, ferret or other contrivance for the purpose of trapping, catching, taking or killing a bird or animal within a park.
01 definition of 'park,' which includes park land, lakes, streams, ponds, trails, nature areas, open space and recreation centers. 09 'Prohibited Acts' list enforced by the Plymouth Police Department's community service officers and the Parks and Recreation Department, alongside rules on destruction of park property, unauthorized vehicles, and fires.
Violations & Fines
Disturbing a nest, shooting at or trapping wildlife in a Plymouth park without City authorization violates Section 805.09, Subds. 11-12. Like other park-conduct offenses, it is punishable under the Code's general Chapter XX penalty as a misdemeanor, with a fine of up to $700.00 and up to 90 days in jail, and each day of a continuing violation counted as a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I remove a bird's nest from a tree in a Plymouth park?
Is it illegal to trap squirrels or other animals in a Plymouth park?
Can I shoot a pellet gun at birds in a Plymouth park?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Plymouth
Compare Plymouth to another location·View the Minnesota animal ordinances overview
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Bird Protection in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Hennepin County handle bird protection.