Showing ordinances that apply to Derwood, MD
Derwood is an unincorporated community (population 2,535) in Montgomery County, Maryland. Because Derwood is not an incorporated city, it does not have its own municipal code. Instead, Montgomery County ordinances apply directly to properties here. The wildlife feeding rules below are the ones that govern your area.
Montgomery County prohibits feeding deer and other wildlife under County Code Ch 5, Section 5-102. Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) concerns drive strict enforcement. Deer overpopulation is a significant issue with managed hunting programs in county parks. Bird feeders are exempt but must not attract deer.
Montgomery County Code Ch 5, Section 5-102 prohibits the intentional feeding of deer and other wild animals on public or private property. This law was enacted to address severe deer overpopulation in suburban Montgomery County, where deer density exceeds 100 per square mile in some areas versus the ecological target of 15-20 per square mile. Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD), a fatal neurological disease in deer, has been detected in neighboring states, making feeding bans critical to prevent disease concentration. The county operates a managed deer hunting program (archery) in select parks through the Department of Parks to control population. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) also regulates wildlife feeding statewide. Bird feeders are technically exempt but residents are advised to use feeders that do not spill seed accessible to deer. Feeding raccoons, foxes, coyotes, and other wildlife is also prohibited as it habituates animals to humans and increases rabies risk. The county has documented rising coyote populations in suburban areas including Bethesda, Potomac, and Germantown.
First offense: written warning. Second offense: $100 fine. Subsequent violations: up to $500 per incident. Feeding that attracts deer near roadways: additional MCDOT safety referral.
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