Charlotte does not have a dedicated wildlife feeding ordinance, but feeding that creates a nuisance or attracts problem wildlife can be cited under Chapter 10 (property maintenance) and state law. Feeding deer is discouraged due to disease transmission risk. Bird feeders are allowed. Intentional feeding of coyotes, raccoons, or bears is prohibited by the NC Wildlife Resources Commission.
North Carolina's wildlife feeding laws operate at the state level through the NC Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC). Within Charlotte, several rules intersect:
NCWRC Rule 15A NCAC 10B .0106 prohibits baiting of deer on private land for hunting purposes in many counties. In Mecklenburg County, which is part of the Central Deer Season Zone, bait hunting of deer is unlawful during gun season though allowed for bow hunting with restrictions. Setting out food primarily to attract deer (year-round feeders) is discouraged due to Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) biosecurity concerns.
Bears: Black bears are increasingly seen in west Charlotte and the Catawba corridor. Intentional feeding of bears is prohibited under 15A NCAC 10B .0106 and can result in $100+ fines. Unsecured trash, pet food left outdoors, and bird feeders accessible to bears all constitute indirect feeding.
Coyotes: Intentional feeding of coyotes is not expressly prohibited by state statute but is strongly discouraged as it causes habituation and dangerous encounters. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police and NCWRC investigate reports of fed coyotes.
Bird feeders: Permitted and unregulated in Charlotte. Best practices: use sturdy poles, clean feeders monthly, remove during bear-active months in neighborhoods with bear sightings.
Feral cat colonies and feeding: Charlotte-Mecklenburg Animal Care & Control supports TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return) through community partners. Uncontrolled feeding that creates a nuisance - attracting rats, raccoons, or creating unsanitary conditions - can be cited under the Charlotte property maintenance code.
Waterfowl: Feeding ducks and geese at Freedom Park, Little Sugar Creek Greenway, and other public parks is prohibited by park rules and signage. State law also discourages waterfowl feeding due to nutrient pollution and disease.
Nuisance feeding enforcement: Charlotte Code Enforcement responds to complaints when feeding creates accumulated food waste, attracts rodents, or creates health hazards under Chapter 10.
Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact Charlotte code enforcement directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.
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