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Forsyth County, GA Animal Ordinances: Wildlife Feeding (2026)

Few Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified July 2026

Key Facts

County Ban
None
Handled By
Georgia DNR
Code Section
§ 14-45
State Guidance
Discourages deer feeding
Nuisance
Trash/pet food enforceable

Summary

Forsyth County has no ordinance prohibiting the feeding of deer, coyotes, or other wildlife. Under Code section 14-45, wild-animal matters are handled by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, not county animal services.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Forsyth County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

All complaints and matters, with the exception of an animal bite, concerning wild animals not of a domestic nature and complaints involving game animals or protected species and/or hunting shall be forwarded to the state department of natural resources, game and fish division or the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Law Enforcement Division for proper disposition, i.e.. compliance, apprehension, control and/or enforcement as may be necessary as provided by state and federal rules and regulations.

Source: Official Code of Georgia AnnotatedView official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 43).

Full Breakdown

Forsyth County does not ban feeding wildlife. Its animal chapter addresses domestic animals, and section 14-45 forwards all wild-animal complaints, except bites, to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Game and Fish Division, or the USDA. Georgia DNR discourages feeding deer, warning that it concentrates animals and habituates them, and the state manages nuisance wildlife such as coyotes and the occasional black bear that ranges into north Forsyth. Practical constraints still apply: unsecured trash or pet food that draws wildlife can trigger county nuisance enforcement, and HOA covenants may limit feeders.

Violations & Fines

No county penalty targets wildlife feeding directly. Feeding that creates a sanitation or nuisance condition, or that draws bears, can draw county nuisance enforcement, and Georgia DNR can act on habituated-wildlife problems.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it illegal to feed deer or coyotes in Forsyth County?
No county ordinance prohibits it. Wildlife is managed by the Georgia DNR under Code § 14-45, and the state discourages feeding deer and other wildlife.
Can I keep bird feeders?
Yes. Forsyth County does not restrict bird feeders, though unsecured feed that attracts nuisance wildlife could raise a sanitation issue, and HOA rules may apply.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Forsyth County

Noise Ordinances: Construction HoursSome RestrictionsDog Leash LawsSome RestrictionsChickens & LivestockSome RestrictionsCat RulesLight RestrictionsMicrochippingLight RestrictionsPet Store RulesHeavy RestrictionsMandatory Spay/NeuterLight RestrictionsVeterinary Clinic ZoningSignificant RestrictionsBreed RestrictionsFew RestrictionsBeekeepingFew RestrictionsExotic PetsHeavy RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Vehicle NoiseSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Decibel LimitsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Abandoned VehiclesSignificant RestrictionsFence Regulations: Fence Permit RequirementsSome Restrictions

All Forsyth County rules

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