Los Angeles County, CA Animal Ordinances: Wildlife Feeding (2026)
Key Facts
- Policy
- Discouraged, may be nuisance
- Coyotes
- County actively discourages feeding
- Wildlife Areas
- Altadena, Topanga, mountain communities
- State Law
- CDFW regulates wildlife interactions
Summary
Feeding wildlife in unincorporated LA County is discouraged and may violate nuisance provisions. CDFW regulations prohibit feeding certain species. The county's large unincorporated areas include wildlife corridors where feeding attracts coyotes, bears, and mountain lions near communities like Altadena and Topanga.
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. It has become more common for people to be 'living with wildlife' as communities grow along the urban-wildlands interface and wildlife look for limited resources such as food, water, and habitat. ... Knowing how to safely and effectively address human-wildlife conflicts may feel overwhelming. What methods you may use are governed by federal and state, and local laws and ordinances. It is your responsibility to follow all laws and regulations.
Full Breakdown
Feeding wildlife in unincorporated LA County can violate nuisance abatement provisions under Title 11. Intentionally feeding coyotes is specifically prohibited under LA County Ordinance. Feeding other wildlife (deer, raccoons, feral cats) may also trigger nuisance complaints. The LA County Agricultural Commissioner's office handles wildlife-related issues. California Department of Fish & Wildlife regulations also apply to interactions with protected species. Feeding bears in mountain communities can result in state-level citations.
Violations & Fines
Intentionally feeding coyotes can result in fines up to $1,000 per incident under county ordinance. Nuisance abatement violations for attracting wildlife through feeding carry administrative penalties starting at $100 for the first offense. Feeding protected species in violation of state law may result in California Fish & Wildlife citations with fines up to $1,000.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it illegal to feed wildlife in LA County?
Can I feed feral cats in unincorporated LA County?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Los Angeles County
California rules heatmap·Compare Los Angeles County to another location·View the California animal ordinances overview
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