Brentwood, CA Animal Ordinances: Wildlife Feeding (2026)
Key Facts
- Agency
- CDFW
- Feeding wildlife
- Prohibited
- Trapping
- Requires CDFW permit
- Rehabilitation
- Lindsay Wildlife Experience
- Protected birds
- Migratory Bird Treaty Act
Summary
Wildlife in Brentwood (deer, coyotes, turkeys, raccoons, hawks, and mountain lions in nearby Los Vaqueros Watershed) is protected under state law and managed by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Feeding wildlife is prohibited, and most species cannot be trapped or relocated without a CDFW depredation permit.
CA.gov Official website of the State of California About Us Contact State of California Department of Fish and Wildlife Menu Custom Google Search Home Fishing Hunting Licensing Conservation Learning Home / HWC Human-Wildlife Conflicts Toolkit Vision: To proactively address human-wildlife conflicts and improve wildlife incident responses; to support safe human-wildlife interactions; and to increase understanding, awareness and appreciation of wildlife in California. Human-wildlife conflict (HWC) can occur when humans encounter or interact with wild animals in an unwanted or unsafe way. In California, habitat loss and a changing climate have increased the frequency and type of HWC reported to CDFW.
Full Breakdown
Wildlife management in Brentwood is governed primarily by California Fish and Game Code and CDFW regulations, with local enforcement provisions in BMC Chapter 6.04 and county code. Feeding deer, coyotes, turkeys, or other wildlife is prohibited because it habituates animals to humans and creates public-safety issues. Trapping or relocating wildlife generally requires a CDFW depredation permit; homeowners can legally exclude wildlife from structures using non-lethal barriers. Coyote encounters are handled by "hazing" (loud noises, waving arms) under CDFW guidelines; CDFW removes only those animals showing clear aggression toward humans. Mountain lion sightings are reported to CDFW and Brentwood PD. Protected species (hawks, owls, songbirds, bats) cannot be disturbed under the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Wildlife rehabilitation should be handled by Lindsay Wildlife Experience in Walnut Creek. The proximity to the Los Vaqueros Watershed and Round Valley Regional Preserve means Brentwood residents occasionally encounter a wide range of East Bay wildlife.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I trap a raccoon in my yard?
What if I see a coyote?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Brentwood
California rules heatmap·Compare Brentwood to another location·View the California animal ordinances overview
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Wildlife Feeding in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Contra Costa County handle wildlife feeding.