Fairfax County, VA Animal Ordinances: Wildlife Feeding (2026)
Key Facts
- Species covered
- Mallard ducks, Canada geese, crossbreeds and hybrids
- Area
- Parcels contiguous to Little Hunting Creek
- Fine
- Civil fine up to $50.00
- Excluded lands
- National/state parks, forests, wildlife management areas
Summary
Fairfax County Code Section 41.1-2-19 prohibits feeding mallard ducks and Canada geese, including any crossbreeds or hybrids, on parcels of land contiguous to Little Hunting Creek, and backs the ban with a civil fine of up to $50.00.
(a)The feeding of mallard ducks (Anas platyrhynchos) and Canada geese (Branta canadensis), and any crossbreeds or hybrids of these birds, is hereby prohibited in the area of the County described in subsection (b). (b)This prohibition is applicable to parcels of land contiguous to Little Hunting Creek, except that no provisions of this section shall be applicable on lands within a national or state park or forest, or wildlife management area. ... (d)Any person violating the provisions of this section shall be subject to a civil fine not to exceed $50.00.
Full Breakdown
The ban is narrow by design, in both species and geography. Subsection (a) names exactly two birds, the mallard duck (Anas platyrhynchos) and the Canada goose (Branta canadensis), and extends the prohibition to any crossbreeds or hybrids of these birds, so a mixed-breed goose is covered the same as a purebred one. No other species appears in the section, and this is the only wildlife-feeding restriction the county's animal control chapter imposes. Subsection (b) draws the boundary: the prohibition applies only on parcels of land contiguous to Little Hunting Creek, meaning lots that adjoin the creek.
Even inside that zone, the section carves out lands within a national or state park or forest, or a wildlife management area, where none of its provisions apply. The county must post signage marking where the ban applies, so the restricted area is identified on the ground rather than left to guesswork. 00.
Violations & Fines
Feeding mallard ducks or Canada geese, or their crossbreeds or hybrids, on posted parcels contiguous to Little Hunting Creek is subject to a civil fine not to exceed $50.00 under Section 41.1-2-19(d).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it illegal to feed ducks or geese everywhere in Fairfax County?
Which birds does the ban cover?
Is feeding waterfowl there a criminal offense?
Does the ban apply inside parks along the creek?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fairfax County
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