Del Norte County, CA Animal Ordinances: Wildlife Feeding (2026)

We reviewed Del Norte County Code Title 8 (the 2019 Revised Animal Control Ordinance) and did not find a county section that bans residents from feeding wild animals such as deer, bears, or elk. Title 8 defines and regulates dogs, common household pets, and livestock that people own or keep, and imposes duty-of-care and nuisance obligations on owners; it does not address putting out food for free-roaming wildlife. Because no specific county wildlife-feeding ordinance exists, the governing rules are at the state level. California Code of Regulations Title 14, Section 251.3 prohibits the intentional feeding of big game mammals (which include deer and bear) anywhere in the state, including unincorporated Del Norte County. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife discourages feeding all wildlife because it habituates animals, spreads disease, and increases dangerous conflicts - a real concern in this heavily forested coastal county that is home to black bears, Roosevelt elk, deer, and mountain lions. Residents who attract bears or other wildlife by leaving out food or unsecured garbage may also draw nuisance-abatement attention. For problems with free-roaming wildlife, contact CDFW; for problems involving owned or captive animals, contact Del Norte County Animal Services. Always check for any newer county or state rules before feeding or attempting to deter wildlife.