Cowlitz County, WA Animal Ordinances: Wildlife Feeding (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- CCC § 9.06.050(L)
- Prohibited act
- Leaving/distributing food to feed wildlife in a park
- Related ban
- § 9.06.050(M) bars disturbing/harming animals
- First-offense fine
- $75.00 civil infraction
- Enforcing agency
- Public Works Director; law enforcement
Summary
In unincorporated Cowlitz County, leaving, placing or distributing food or other material to feed wildlife is an unlawful act inside any county park. The rule sits in the Park Code's list of prohibited acts and is enforced with the same civil infraction penalties as other park violations.
Feeding Wildlife. Leaving, placing or distributing foodstuffs or other material in any park to feed wildlife.
Full Breakdown
050(L) lists "Feeding Wildlife" among the acts and items the Park Code makes unlawful on or within any county park: leaving, placing or distributing foodstuffs or other material in any park to feed wildlife. 050(M) on "Disturbing Animals," which bars teasing, annoying, disturbing, molesting, catching, injuring or killing wildlife, or throwing a stone, missile or object at any animal in a county park. 020. 030 governing wildlife interactions at specific sites. The feeding ban is meant to keep wild animals, including deer and waterfowl that frequent riverside parks along the Columbia and Cowlitz Rivers, from becoming habituated to people and food sources, which can create safety hazards and property damage. 025.
Violations & Fines
Feeding wildlife in a county park is a civil infraction under CCC § 9.06.100, carrying a $75.00 penalty for a first offense, $150.00 for a second, and $300.00 for a third or subsequent offense. A separate $25.00 penalty applies if the person fails to respond to the infraction notice. Any law enforcement officer with jurisdiction, or the Public Works Director, may issue the citation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it illegal to feed deer or geese in a Cowlitz County park?
What about feeding stray cats in a county park?
What is the penalty for feeding wildlife in a Cowlitz County park?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Cowlitz County
Compare Cowlitz County to another location·View the Washington animal ordinances overview
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