Cook County discourages feeding wildlife in unincorporated areas to prevent nuisance and human-wildlife conflicts. The Cook County Forest Preserve District prohibits feeding wildlife on preserve property. Illinois law regulates feeding of certain species.
Cook County and the Cook County Forest Preserve District discourage feeding wildlife to prevent nuisance conditions and human-wildlife conflicts. On Forest Preserve property (70,000+ acres), feeding wildlife is prohibited by District rules. In unincorporated residential areas, feeding wildlife that creates a nuisance (such as attracting rats, coyotes, or excessive deer) may result in enforcement under general nuisance provisions. Cook County Animal and Rabies Control may respond to human-wildlife conflict situations. Illinois Department of Natural Resources regulates certain activities like feeding deer (unlawful to feed within 100 yards of an area accessible to vehicles). Securing trash and pet food to prevent wildlife encounters is a recommended best practice throughout Cook County.
Forest Preserve feeding: citation from FP Police. Residential wildlife feeding nuisance: general nuisance enforcement. Deer feeding near roads: IDNR violation.
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See how Cook County's wildlife feeding rules stack up against other locations.
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