Worcester County, MA Animal Ordinances: Wildlife Feeding (2026)

Massachusetts wildlife feeding is regulated primarily by MGL c. 131, §5A (prohibiting feeding of black bears statewide effective since 2023) and MassWildlife regulations at 321 CMR 3.02(3). MGL c. 131, §5A (as added by Ch. 179 Acts of 2022) explicitly prohibits intentionally feeding black bears and requires securing attractants (trash, bird seed, pet food) when bears are known to be active. Violations are punishable by fines up to $500. 321 CMR 3.02(3) prohibits the intentional feeding of wild birds or mammals in a manner that creates public nuisance, health hazard, or public safety risk. Deer feeding in particular is discouraged as it contributes to Chronic Wasting Disease spread and deer-vehicle collisions. Worcester County has substantial black bear activity especially in the western and central towns (Athol, Petersham, Phillipston, Royalston, Barre, Hardwick, Oakham, Hubbardston, Princeton, Holden). Bird feeders must be taken down April 1 - November 1 in bear territory per MassWildlife guidance, or when bears are active. Coyote feeding contributes to aggressive encounters — prohibited by most local bylaws and discouraged statewide. Feral cat colonies have separate regulatory regime under MGL c. 140, §174E and TNR programs. Outdoor pet food must be secured. Municipal bylaws often add specific penalties and enforcement mechanisms. Local animal control officers have MGL c. 140, §151A enforcement authority.