Clark County, WA Animal Ordinances: Wildlife Feeding (2026)
Key Facts
- Direct feeding ban
- None in county animal code
- Dangerous species
- Skunk, fox, raccoon barred
- Protected wildlife
- Cannot take or possess
- Nuisance attraction
- Can be abated (CCC 8.11.060)
- State layer
- WDFW big-game feeding rules
Summary
Clark County's animal code has no ordinance directly prohibiting feeding wildlife such as deer or birds. It does bar keeping designated dangerous species (skunks, foxes, raccoons) and taking or possessing protected wildlife. Attracting animals that become a nuisance can still be abated.
The ownership, harboring, or keeping of any species of animals designated by the Washington State Department of Health pursuant to Chapter 246-100 WAC as dangerous to the public including any skunk, fox or raccoon, except as lawfully authorized for fur farming.
Full Breakdown
No section of Clark County Code Title 8 makes it unlawful simply to put out food for wild birds or deer. What the code does regulate: CCC 8.11.060(12) makes it a nuisance to own, harbor, or keep species the Washington Department of Health designates dangerous under WAC 246-100, including skunks, foxes, or raccoons, and 8.11.060(14) bars taking from the wild or possessing protected wildlife, furbearers, or game listed in WAC 232-12. If feeding draws animals that damage property or create the nuisances listed in CCC 8.11.060, the county can abate the situation. State wildlife-feeding rules (WDFW) may separately restrict feeding big game.
Violations & Fines
No penalty for ordinary wildlife feeding. Keeping a prohibited species or possessing protected wildlife is a nuisance misdemeanor under CCC 8.19.020 (up to 90 days jail and/or $1,000).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it illegal to feed deer or birds in Clark County?
Can I keep a raccoon or fox I've been feeding?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Clark County
Compare Clark County to another location·View the Washington animal ordinances overview
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