Fairfax, VA Animal Ordinances: Wildlife Feeding (2026)

Wildlife regulation in Virginia is almost entirely a state matter under the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources, and the City of Fairfax operates within that framework. Deer feeding is prohibited statewide between September 1 and the first Saturday in January under 4VAC15-40-285, and is prohibited year-round in areas with confirmed chronic wasting disease activity. Trapping and relocating wildlife such as raccoons, groundhogs, opossums, and skunks generally requires a state permit or must be done by a licensed commercial nuisance wildlife control operator. Homeowners may use lethal control for some species on their own property, but firearm discharge is prohibited within city limits under Chapter 38 of the City Code. Rabies vector species such as raccoons, foxes, skunks, and bats that appear sick or aggressive must be reported to animal control. Bats found in a room with a sleeping person trigger a public health response because of rabies exposure risk. Bird feeders are allowed but the city discourages feeding during active bear activity and requires containment if bears become habituated in a neighborhood.