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

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

County feeding ban
None (general wildlife)
Wild-animal keeping
Barred by Sec. 6-54
Nuisance rule
Sec. 6-9 (public nuisance)
State authority
NC Wildlife Resources Commission
Best practice
Secure garbage & feeders

Summary

Forsyth County's animal code has no general ordinance against feeding backyard wildlife, but it bars keeping or harboring wild animals (Sec. 6-54) and prohibits public-nuisance conditions (Sec. 6-9). North Carolina's Wildlife Resources Commission regulates feeding and taking of native wildlife statewide.

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.

It is unlawful for any person or business to possess, harbor, or have an inherently dangerous exotic mammal, an inherently dangerous reptile, or a wild animal.

Full Breakdown

The county code does not set a standalone anti-feeding rule for songbirds, squirrels, or deer, but Sec. 6-54 makes it unlawful to possess, harbor, or have a wild animal, so intentionally harboring wildlife can implicate that prohibition. Feeding that attracts nuisance conditions - accumulating garbage, offensive or unsanitary conditions, or animals damaging neighboring property - is reachable under Sec. 6-9 (public nuisance). Statewide, the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission regulates the feeding, baiting, and taking of native wildlife, and separate rules apply to species such as deer and bears. Residents should secure garbage, bird feeders, and pet food to avoid attracting wildlife and creating a nuisance.

Violations & Fines

Harboring a wild animal (Sec. 6-54) or maintaining a public nuisance from feeding (Sec. 6-9) is a Class 3 misdemeanor, fine up to $500 (Sec. 6-55), with the civil citation schedule.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it illegal to feed wildlife in Forsyth County?
There is no general county feeding ban, but harboring a wild animal is barred (Sec. 6-54) and feeding that creates unsanitary or offensive nuisance conditions is citable under Sec. 6-9. State wildlife rules also apply.
Can I feed the birds or squirrels in my yard?
Ordinary bird feeding is not banned, but if it attracts nuisance conditions or wild animals it can trigger Sec. 6-9 or Sec. 6-54. Secure feeders and garbage to avoid problems.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Forsyth County

All Forsyth County rules

Compare Forsyth County to another location·View the North Carolina animal ordinances overview

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