Gaithersburg, MD Animal Ordinances: Wildlife Feeding (2026)

Montgomery County regulates wildlife feeding to reduce human-wildlife conflicts in densely populated suburban communities like Gaithersburg, where residential development borders parks, stream valleys, and wooded corridors that support significant wildlife populations. Feeding deer is specifically targeted because white-tailed deer overpopulation has caused extensive damage to native plant communities, residential landscaping, and vehicle collisions throughout the county. The Montgomery County Deer Management Program operates each winter (typically October through March) and includes managed archery hunts in designated county parks, municipal parks, and private properties enrolled in the program. Several Gaithersburg locations participate, and the program is managed by the county Department of Parks in coordination with Maryland DNR. Warning signs are posted in active deer management areas, and trails may be temporarily closed during hunting sessions. Residents living near deer management areas receive advance notification. Feeding deer undermines these population control efforts by concentrating animals, increasing reproduction rates, and making deer less wary of human proximity. If deer feeding by a resident creates documented problems -- property damage to neighbors, vehicle collision risk from congregating animals, or unsanitary conditions -- the county can pursue enforcement through nuisance abatement provisions. Trash management is a significant wildlife concern in Gaithersburg. Residents must keep household trash in containers with secure lids, and trash should not be placed at the curb earlier than the evening before collection. Open trash attracts raccoons, foxes, opossums, crows, and occasionally black bears in the northern and western portions of the county near the Seneca Creek and Great Falls corridors. Bird feeders are generally permitted, but the county recommends using squirrel-resistant designs, cleaning up spilled seed regularly, and bringing feeders indoors if bears are reported in the area. Feeding feral cats through unmanaged colony programs (leaving food out without organized TNR) can create code enforcement issues related to animal congregation, sanitation, and disease transmission. Montgomery County supports TNR through licensed rescue organizations and the county Animal Services adoption program.