Dearborn Heights, MI Animal Ordinances: Wildlife Feeding (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- City Code Sec. 6-97(a)
- Feeder height exception
- At least 48 inches above ground
- Violation type
- Civil infraction
- Fine schedule
- Set under City Code Sec. 1-11
Summary
In the City of Dearborn Heights it is unlawful to feed wild animals or leave food on the ground where raccoons, skunks, rats, waterfowl, and other wildlife can reach it. The only exception is bird feed dispensed from an elevated, animal-proof feeder under City Code Sec. 6-97.
It shall be unlawful for any person to feed any wild animal, whether directly or indirectly, or to place or permit placement on the ground of any fruit, berries, grain, vegetables, nuts, salt, or other edible material or bait which may reasonably be expected to feed wild animals. Wild animals include, but are not limited to, raccoons, skunks, rodents, rabbits, crows, wild birds, rats, mice, fowl, waterfowl, gophers, groundhogs, moles, opossums, squirrels, and any and all other type of wild mammal, reptile and the like. ... Limitation. The general prohibition contained in this subsection (a) of this section 6-97 shall not apply to the feeding of wild birds provided that such feeding is done only from self-contained apparatus that supports (A) prohibiting access by other wild animals, (B) are elevated at least forty-eight (48) inches above ground level, and (C) are designed to prevent feed or seed from falling to the ground. ... A person who violates any part of this section 6-97 shall be responsible for a civil infraction and shall pay a fine in the amount set forth in the schedule of fines set forth in City Code section 1-11, as it may be amended from time to time.
Full Breakdown
Dearborn Heights City Code Sec. 6-97(a) makes it unlawful for any person to feed any wild animal, directly or indirectly, or to place or permit placement on the ground of fruit, berries, grain, vegetables, nuts, salt, or other edible material or bait reasonably expected to feed wild animals. The ordinance lists raccoons, skunks, rodents, rabbits, crows, wild birds, rats, mice, fowl, waterfowl, gophers, groundhogs, moles, opossums, and squirrels among the covered wild animals, along with any other wild mammal or reptile. A narrow carve-out allows feeding wild birds, but only from a self-contained feeder that (A) keeps other wild animals out, (B) sits at least 48 inches above ground level, and (C) is designed to prevent feed or seed from falling to the ground.
That limitation does not extend to the separate pigeon, gull, and dove feeding restrictions in subsection (c) of the same section. Enforcement runs through the police department and the animal control division, which can issue a citation for feeding practices that leave bait, seed, or scraps accessible to raccoons, rats, or waterfowl on residential or commercial property anywhere in the city.
Violations & Fines
A violation of any part of Sec. 6-97, including the ground-feeding ban, is a civil infraction. The fine is set under the citywide schedule of fines in City Code Sec. 1-11 and can be amended by council resolution, so residents cited for scattering feed on the ground should expect a fine tied to that current schedule rather than a fixed statutory dollar amount printed in Sec. 6-97 itself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put out corn or bread for deer or raccoons in Dearborn Heights?
Am I allowed to feed backyard birds?
What happens if I get cited for ground feeding wildlife?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Dearborn Heights
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Wildlife Feeding in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Wayne County handle wildlife feeding.