Fresno, CA Animal Ordinances: Wildlife Feeding (2026)
Key Facts
- Restriction
- CA F&G §251.3 bans feeding big game/mammals
- Fmc §9-2810
- FMC §9-2810 prohibits nuisance feeding
- Age Restriction
- Feral cat feeding cited except managed TNR
- Bird Feeders
- Bird feeders okay if kept clean
- Enforcement
- Coyote feeding enforced near river
Summary
California Fish and Game Code §251.3 prohibits feeding big game, furbearing mammals, and non-game mammals statewide. FMC §9-2810 also prohibits feeding of feral cats, pigeons, rodents, and wildlife where it creates a public nuisance. Bird feeders for songbirds are allowed unless they attract rats or create sanitation issues.
Human-wildlife conflict (HWC) can occur when humans encounter or interact with wild animals in an unwanted or unsafe way. In California, habitat loss and a changing climate have increased the frequency and type of HWC reported to CDFW. It has become more common for people to be "living with wildlife" as communities grow along the urban-wildlands interface and wildlife look for limited resources such as food, water, and habitat. As the State's trustee agency for fish and wildlife, CDFW has developed a robust HWC Toolkit to help reduce or prevent wildlife damage and conflict with wildlife. Knowing how to safely and effectively address human-wildlife conflicts may feel overwhelming. What methods you may use are governed by federal and state, and local laws and ordinances.
Full Breakdown
California Fish and Game Code §251.3 makes it unlawful to intentionally feed deer, elk, bears, mountain lions, coyotes, foxes, raccoons, skunks, opossums, and bobcats. Violations are a misdemeanor. Fresno FMC §9-2810 supplements state law by prohibiting feeding that causes accumulation of feces, attracts pests, or otherwise creates a public nuisance. Feeding feral cat colonies and flocks of pigeons is the most common local enforcement issue. TNR (trap-neuter-return) programs operated by Fresno Humane Animal Services are an exception when conducted under a managed colony protocol. Bird feeders for songbirds are generally allowed but must be kept clean, not overflow onto the ground, and not attract rodents. In neighborhoods near the San Joaquin River and orchards, coyote-feeding habituation causes serious pet-safety problems and is actively enforced. Squirrels technically fall under protected non-game mammal rules; intentional feeding can be cited.
Violations & Fines
Misdemeanor under §251.3 up to $1,000 and/or 6 months; FMC §9-2810 infractions with escalating fines.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I feed the squirrels in my Fresno backyard?
Is it illegal to feed stray cats in Fresno?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fresno
California rules heatmap·Compare Fresno to another location·View the California animal ordinances overview
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Wildlife Feeding in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Fresno County handle wildlife feeding.