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Los Angeles County, CA Animal Ordinances: Coyote Management (2026)

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

Key Facts

Species covered
Coyotes, raccoons, foxes, opossums, ground squirrels
Exception 1
Owner-kept animals maintained per CA Department of Fish and Wildlife requirements
Exception 2
Trapped or injured animals: only after notifying the responsible agency for pickup
Penalty
Misdemeanor criminal charge
Peafowl public feeding
Also prohibited on streets, sidewalks, and parkways (§ 10.84.020)

Summary

Feeding coyotes, raccoons, foxes, opossums, or ground squirrels is a misdemeanor in unincorporated Los Angeles County, with only narrow exceptions for trapped or injured animals.

City-specific rules exist: Los Angeles, Glendale, and Santa Clarita have their own coyote management rules that differ from Los Angeles County's county-level regulations. If you live in one of those cities, check the city-specific page instead.

A.It is unlawful to feed a nondomesticated rodent or nondomesticated mammalian predator as defined in this section, unless:1.The person is the owner of the animal and the animal is kept in accordance with the requirements of the State Department of Fish and Wildlife; or2.After notifying the responsible agency to pick up the animal, the person provides food to a trapped or injured animal.B.For purposes of this chapter:1."Rodent" includes ground squirrels;2."Mammalian predators" include coyotes, raccoons, foxes, and opossums.C.A violation of this section is a misdemeanor.

Source: DACC Coyote Management PlanView official code

Full Breakdown

The prohibition covers all 'nondomesticated mammalian predators' (coyotes, raccoons, foxes, opossums) and nondomesticated rodents including ground squirrels. Feeding is only lawful if: (1) the person owns the animal and keeps it in compliance with California Department of Fish and Wildlife requirements, or (2) the person is providing temporary food to a trapped or injured animal after notifying the responsible agency for pickup. Peafowl cannot be fed on any public property under a separate provision (§ 10.84.020).

Violations & Fines

A violation of this section is a misdemeanor: a criminal charge that can result in fines and potential jail time under the California Penal Code misdemeanor schedule.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I leave cat food outside if a coyote sometimes eats it?
No. If you knowingly provide food in a way that coyotes access it, you may be violating the ordinance. You should either bring pet food inside or use wildlife-resistant containers.
What if I find an injured coyote: can I give it food?
Only after notifying the responsible agency (LA County Animal Care and Control or CA Department of Fish and Wildlife) to come pick up the animal. The food provision is temporary and limited to that emergency context.
Does this ban apply to feeding raccoons or opossums that wander into my yard?
Yes. Raccoons, foxes, and opossums are listed as prohibited mammalian predators: feeding any of them, including opportunistically leaving food accessible, is unlawful.

Sources & Official References

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All Los Angeles County rules

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Coyote Management in Cities Across Los Angeles County

Los Angeles, CALong Beach, CAGlendale, CASanta Clarita, CAPasadena, CATorrance, CAPomona, CADowney, CAInglewood, CABurbank, CAWest Covina, CAEl Monte, CACompton, CASanta Monica, CALakewood, CALancaster, CANorwalk, CAPalmdale, CAAltadena, CACarson, CASouth Gate, CA