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Wichita, KS Animal Ordinances: Bird Protection (2026)

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

Key Facts

Protected species
Any squirrel or songbird
Permit exception
KDWPT wildlife control permit holders
City exception
Animal Services Officers
Code section
Wichita Municipal Code 6.04.040(f)(1)

Summary

Wichita bans killing squirrels or songbirds citywide, with narrow exceptions for licensed wildlife-control work on nuisance or diseased animals.

It is unlawful for any person to: (1) Kill any squirrel or songbird within the corporate limits of the city, provided that it shall be permissible for Animal Services Officers or a person who has a wildlife control permit issued by the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism to kill squirrels, skunks, birds, or other animals that have become so numerous as to cause destruction or nuisance to property or in the event of disease occurring among such squirrels, skunks, birds, or other animals that may be considered contagious to human beings.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 35).

Full Breakdown

City code makes it unlawful for any person to kill a squirrel or songbird within Wichita's corporate limits. The only carve-out is for Animal Services Officers or holders of a Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism wildlife control permit, who may kill squirrels, skunks, birds, or other animals that have become so numerous as to cause destruction or nuisance to property, or that pose a disease risk to humans.

Violations & Fines

Killing a songbird or squirrel without a wildlife control permit is a misdemeanor under the general animal-control penalty provisions of Chapter 6.04, enforceable by Wichita Animal Services and the Police Department.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I kill a songbird damaging my garden in Wichita?
No. Only Animal Services Officers or someone holding a Kansas wildlife control permit may kill nuisance birds, and only when they've become numerous enough to cause property damage or disease risk.
Does this ban cover squirrels too?
Yes, the same code provision bans killing squirrels as well as songbirds, subject to the same narrow wildlife-control exception.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Wichita

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All Wichita rules

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