San Bernardino, CA Animal Ordinances: Bird Protection (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- SBMC § 12.80.130(O)
- Scope
- Public parks and playgrounds only
- Prohibited acts
- Frighten, chase, snare, injure, destroy wild birds
- Also protected
- Eggs and young of wild birds
- Penalty
- Misdemeanor under § 12.80.140
Summary
Inside any San Bernardino public park or playground, it is unlawful to frighten, chase, snare, catch, injure or destroy wild birds, or to disturb their eggs or young. The rule sits in the city's park regulations, not a standalone wildlife code.
Within the limits of any public park or playground in or upon any facility or building located therein and owned or controlled by the city, it is unlawful for any person to: ... (O) Frighten, chase, set snare for, catch, injure or destroy any wild quadrupeds or birds; or destroy, remove or disturb any of the young or eggs of the same; or to injure or maltreat any domestic or other animals;
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-2: Supplement contains: Local legislation current through Ord. MC-1666, passed 8-5-2026).
Full Breakdown
130 lists conduct banned within the limits of any public park or playground owned or controlled by the city. " The same section separately bars injuring or maltreating domestic or other animals in city parks. This is the city's only bird-specific protective standard; it applies to wild birds and their nests and eggs while on park property, not on private residential lots. The chapter also restricts related park conduct that can threaten birds and wildlife, including digging up plants (division (I)), removing soil, rock or gravel (division (J)), and discharging firearms, air guns, slingshots or bows except in posted areas (division (H)).
80 sits in Title 12 (Streets, Sidewalks and Public Places), not Title 6. There is no separate ordinance in this code protecting wild birds on private property; migratory and native bird protection outside city parks falls to state (California Fish and Game Code) and federal (Migratory Bird Treaty Act) law rather than a municipal provision.
Violations & Fines
Violating any provision of Chapter 12.80, including the bird-protection clause in § 12.80.130(O), is a misdemeanor under § 12.80.140, punishable per the general penalty schedule in § 1.12.010. Each incident in a city park, such as chasing a bird or disturbing a nest, can be cited separately by park staff or police.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does San Bernardino protect wild birds citywide?
What agency enforces the park bird rule?
Can I disturb a bird nest on my own property in San Bernardino?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Bernardino
California rules heatmap·Compare San Bernardino to another location·View the California animal ordinances overview
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Bird Protection in Nearby Cities
How other cities in San Bernardino County handle bird protection.