Austin, TX Animal Ordinances: Wildlife Feeding (2026)

Under Austin Chapter 3-2, intentional feeding of non-domestic wildlife that creates a nuisance or public health/safety risk is prohibited. White-tailed deer are a particular issue in Westlake, NW Hills, Balcones, and Lost Creek; intentional deer feeding is banned and violators face Class C citations. Coyote feeding is prohibited citywide — Austin has 1,200+ coyotes in city parks and greenbelts, and fed coyotes lose fear of humans and become dangerous. Bird feeders, hummingbird feeders, and squirrel feeders are legal unless they attract rats (Chapter 10-3 rodent harborage rules). Bats at the Congress Avenue Bridge are protected — harassment or harm violates Migratory Bird Treaty Act and state law. Feeding alligators (present in Onion Creek and Lady Bird Lake) is a state-level Class C misdemeanor under Parks & Wildlife Code §65.001. Intentional feeding of feral hogs is similarly prohibited as a public safety issue. Austin Wildland and Animal Protection officers enforce; fines reach $500 per offense. During drought, supplemental water sources for wildlife are discouraged and may violate if they concentrate deer near roadways.