Fort Wayne prohibits intentional feeding of deer, raccoons, coyotes, and other wildlife that creates a nuisance or attracts dangerous animals into neighborhoods. Songbird and squirrel feeders are permitted if maintained to avoid rodent issues.
Fort Wayne Title 6 and Title 10 nuisance provisions prohibit feeding wildlife in a manner that causes attractant problems. The city has growing populations of white-tailed deer, raccoons, and coyotes due to its extensive tree canopy and river corridors (St. Marys, St. Joseph, Maumee). Deer feeding is specifically discouraged due to deer-vehicle collisions on thoroughfares like Illinois Road and Dupont Road. Bird feeders using seed or suet are permitted but must be maintained to avoid rodent infestation. Indiana DNR rules also restrict baiting of game animals outside hunting seasons.
Typical fines $100-$250. Persistent feeding leading to wildlife issues may trigger abatement orders.
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