El Cerrito, CA Animal Ordinances: Wildlife Feeding (2026)

Wildlife in unincorporated Contra Costa County — including deer, coyotes, mountain lions, turkeys, raccoons, skunks, opossums, bobcats, and various hawks and owls — is governed by the California Fish and Game Code and CDFW regulations. It is a misdemeanor under Fish and Game Code §251.1 to intentionally feed big-game animals (deer, bear, wild pigs) and most non-game mammals, and the county supports this prohibition for wildlife-conflict management. Coyote encounters are common in hillside communities (Alamo, Orinda-adjacent, Kensington, El Sobrante, Blackhawk); CDFW guidance emphasizes hazing, not relocation. Mountain lions are protected as a Specially Protected Species; take is allowed only under a CDFW depredation permit after livestock or pet loss. Property owners experiencing damage from protected wildlife must apply for a depredation permit through CDFW rather than acting independently. Contra Costa Animal Services responds to injured or sick domestic animals and public-safety issues with wildlife; CDFW handles protected species. Leaving pet food and garbage accessible is the leading cause of wildlife conflict and can trigger nuisance-property citations under county code.