Durham has no specific ordinance banning wildlife feeding. Wildlife falls under NC Wildlife Resources Commission jurisdiction. Nuisance feeding may be addressed through general city nuisance provisions.
Unlike some North Carolina municipalities, Durham has not enacted a specific ordinance banning wildlife feeding. The NC Wildlife Resources Commission manages wildlife populations statewide and discourages feeding deer, coyotes, bears, and other wild animals as it can create public safety hazards and spread disease. Durham residents who feed wildlife in a way that attracts nuisance animals to neighboring properties may face action under general nuisance provisions of the city code. Durham County has experienced increasing encounters with coyotes and white-tailed deer in suburban areas, prompting community education efforts. Bird feeding is generally unrestricted. The NC Wildlife Resources Commission can issue permits for wildlife depredation when animals cause property damage. Residents can contact Durham Animal Services for assistance with nuisance wildlife situations.
While there is no specific wildlife feeding fine in Durham, creating conditions that attract dangerous wildlife or generate neighborhood nuisances can be addressed through general nuisance abatement. The NC Wildlife Resources Commission handles wildlife violations at the state level. Feeding bears in areas where they have been designated as a nuisance may trigger state enforcement.
Durham, NC
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Durham, NC
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Durham, NC
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Durham, NC
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Durham, NC
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Durham, NC
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See how Durham's wildlife feeding rules stack up against other locations.
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