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Boise, ID Animal Ordinances: Wildlife Feeding (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Where it applies
All Boise City park property
Covers
Animals, reptiles, birds, Zoo Boise wildlife
Noxious substances
Tobacco, alcohol banned for wildlife
Zoo exception
Only with Zoo Boise staff authorization

Summary

Boise bans feeding wildlife and birds in city parks, including animals confined at Zoo Boise, under the park conduct code.

Feeding Animals: Give or offer, or attempt to give to any reptile, bird, waterfowl, or other wildlife any tobacco, alcohol or other known noxious substances. Feeding of animals within Zoo Boise is prohibited unless otherwise permitted by duly authorized Zoo Boise personnel. ... Hunt, molest, harm, frighten, kill, trap, chase, tease, annoy, feed, shoot or throw missiles or objects at any animal, reptile or bird including those confined to the Zoo Boise

Source: Boise City Code Title 5 Chapter 1 Feeding WildlifeView official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-31: Code current through: Ord. 20-26, passed 6-9-2026).

Full Breakdown

Boise City Code makes it unlawful in any city park to feed any animal, reptile, or bird, including animals confined to Zoo Boise -- the same section also bars hunting, molesting, trapping, chasing, or throwing objects at park wildlife. A companion clause separately bans offering tobacco, alcohol, or other noxious substances to any reptile, bird, waterfowl, or other wildlife, and bars feeding Zoo Boise animals unless a zoo staffer authorizes it. The rule covers deer, geese, ducks, and other wild animals encountered on park grounds, not just zoo exhibits.

Violations & Fines

Violating the park rules chapter is enforced as a misdemeanor under Boise's general penalty provisions for park conduct violations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I feed ducks or geese at a Boise park pond?
No. Boise's park code prohibits feeding any bird or wildlife in city parks, which covers ducks and geese at park ponds.
Does the feeding ban apply outside parks, like my backyard?
This provision is part of the park property conduct rules, so it applies on city park land; it does not by its terms reach private yards.

Sources & Official References

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All Boise rules

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