Colorado Parks and Wildlife regulations prohibit intentional feeding of big game (deer, elk, pronghorn, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, bears). Arapahoe County follows CPW rules. Bird feeders are regulated in bear-active areas and unsecured trash can constitute illegal feeding.
Under 2 CCR 406-0 Chapter W-0, Colorado Parks and Wildlife prohibits the intentional feeding of big game animals statewide, including in unincorporated Arapahoe County. Bears that become food-conditioned are frequently killed under CPW's two-strike policy, so feeding prohibitions extend to securing trash, pet food, and bird feeders. The county is designated bear country in its western/foothills areas (Cherry Creek State Park corridor and western subdivisions). CPW recommends bringing in bird feeders from April through November. Coyotes are not protected game so direct feeding bans do not apply under state big game rules, but leaving food attractants is separately discouraged. Feral cat colonies operate under CRS 35-42-111 TNR framework with some county-level humane society coordination. Attracting wildlife onto neighboring property can trigger county nuisance enforcement under Code Section 2-303.
CPW feeding violations: up to $137 fine for first offense, $274+ subsequent, plus possible license revocation. Attracting bears repeatedly may trigger property-specific orders and mandatory attractant removal under threat of county nuisance fines.
Arapahoe County, CO
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See how Arapahoe County's wildlife feeding rules stack up against other locations.
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