Wildlife in unincorporated Contra Costa County is regulated primarily by California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW). It is illegal to feed deer, coyotes, raccoons, or wild turkeys. Depredation permits are required to remove protected wildlife damaging property.
Wildlife in unincorporated Contra Costa County β including deer, coyotes, mountain lions, turkeys, raccoons, skunks, opossums, bobcats, and various hawks and owls β is governed by the California Fish and Game Code and CDFW regulations. It is a misdemeanor under Fish and Game Code Β§251.1 to intentionally feed big-game animals (deer, bear, wild pigs) and most non-game mammals, and the county supports this prohibition for wildlife-conflict management. Coyote encounters are common in hillside communities (Alamo, Orinda-adjacent, Kensington, El Sobrante, Blackhawk); CDFW guidance emphasizes hazing, not relocation. Mountain lions are protected as a Specially Protected Species; take is allowed only under a CDFW depredation permit after livestock or pet loss. Property owners experiencing damage from protected wildlife must apply for a depredation permit through CDFW rather than acting independently. Contra Costa Animal Services responds to injured or sick domestic animals and public-safety issues with wildlife; CDFW handles protected species. Leaving pet food and garbage accessible is the leading cause of wildlife conflict and can trigger nuisance-property citations under county code.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
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See how Contra Costa County's wildlife feeding rules stack up against other locations.
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