Charleston does not have a comprehensive wildlife feeding ban, but feeding deer or bears that creates a public nuisance can be cited under general nuisance provisions. State Division of Natural Resources rules also discourage feeding wildlife near urban areas.
Unlike some Western states, Charleston has no broad city ordinance prohibiting all wildlife feeding. Songbird feeders and squirrels are generally allowed. However, feeding that attracts deer, bears, raccoons, or other large wildlife into residential areas can be addressed through nuisance and sanitation provisions of the Charleston Code if it creates a public hazard, attracts vermin, or generates complaints. The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources strongly discourages feeding deer and bears statewide because of disease transmission and human-wildlife conflict risks. Residents in foothill neighborhoods near wooded areas should secure trash and avoid leaving pet food outside.
Feeding that creates nuisance conditions or attracts dangerous wildlife may result in nuisance abatement notices, sanitation citations, and warning letters from animal control or the WV DNR.
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