Fargo Chapter 4 and park rules discourage or prohibit feeding deer, geese, and other wildlife on public and private property within city limits, citing disease spread, vehicle collisions, and habituation along the Red River corridor.
Feeding deer and waterfowl is restricted in Fargo because of chronic wasting disease concerns coordinated with North Dakota Game and Fish, plus property damage and aggressive bird behavior in parks along the Red River. Chapter 4 and park ordinances allow officers to require removal of corn, salt blocks, and bird feeders attracting non-target wildlife. Backyard songbird feeding is generally allowed if it does not create a public nuisance, attract rats, or draw deer. Violators receive warnings before citations are issued by Fargo Police or Fargo Park District rangers.
Continuing to feed wildlife after a written warning is a Chapter 4 nuisance violation with fines and an order to remove all feed and attractants from the property.
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