San Mateo County, CA Animal Ordinances: Wildlife Feeding (2026)

Based on the available County Ordinance Code material, unincorporated San Mateo County does not publish a stand-alone ordinance section that flatly prohibits feeding wildlife; Title 6 (Animals) addresses animal control, exotic animals, breeding, fancier permits, and kennels/catteries rather than a wildlife-feeding ban. Instead, the County's approach is largely advisory and nuisance-based. The San Mateo County Mosquito and Vector Control District advises residents never to encourage wildlife to linger by feeding it or by allowing access to food sources such as garbage, pet food, or fallen fruit, warning that in rural areas feeding smaller animals can attract larger predators like coyotes and mountain lions, and that animals which associate people with food may become aggressive. Practically, leaving out food that attracts wildlife can also create a public nuisance addressable through County code enforcement. Separately, California state wildlife law (administered by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife) restricts feeding or harassing certain wildlife and prohibits the possession of many wild species, and feeding big-game animals such as deer is discouraged or restricted under state guidance because of disease and public-safety concerns. Residents who keep poultry, pet food, or compost should secure these to avoid attracting wildlife and creating a nuisance. If a specific anti-feeding rule is needed for a particular area, residents should confirm with County Planning and Building or Environmental Health, as the County continues to update its codes following the 2024 Development Code reorganization.