Eagan, MN Animal Ordinances: Wildlife Feeding (2026)

Eagan addresses wildlife mainly through its coyote and wildlife guidance. The City emphasizes that feeding wildlife is discouraged, warning that "a coyote that becomes dependent on humans for food may become too bold and acclimated to humans," and notes that the common factor in almost all wild-animal bites is people attempting to feed or lure the animal with food. To reduce conflicts, the City advises residents not to feed pets outside or leave pet food outdoors, to remove bird feeders because coyotes are attracted to both the seed and the birds it draws, and to secure garbage. On lethal control, the City states that "City of Eagan ordinance prohibits the trapping or shooting of wildlife in most circumstances," and that state law prohibits poisoning of all animals. The City's published wildlife page does not cite a specific code section number for these rules, so residents should consult the City directly for the exact ordinance text and any exceptions. The Eagan Police Department's animal control officer is the City contact for wildlife and nuisance-animal concerns. Because the trapping and shooting restriction is broad, residents experiencing coyote, deer, or other wildlife problems are generally directed to non-lethal deterrence and habitat changes rather than do-it-yourself removal.