Bellingham, WA Animal Ordinances: Wildlife Feeding (2026)

BMC 7.12.130 bars intentionally feeding deer or raccoons, or making food available to them, on any private or public property within Bellingham. Placing food outdoors where these animals can reach it creates a presumption of intentional feeding. The ban doesn't cover food that falls naturally from landscaping, such as fruit or nuts, or feeding meant for livestock, pets or wild birds, and it exempts animal control officers, vets, police, city staff and authorized wildlife officials acting within their duties. The city is also directed to run public education about the overpopulation risks tied to feeding deer and raccoons in urban areas.