NY ECL 11-0505 prohibits feeding deer and bears statewide. DEC can issue citations. Bird feeding allowed but may be restricted if attracting bears (common in eastern Rensselaer County near Taconic hills).
New York Environmental Conservation Law §11-0505(3) prohibits the intentional feeding of wild white-tailed deer and moose statewide. NY ECL §11-0506 similarly bans the intentional feeding of black bears, and requires removal of bird feeders, grills, and garbage if DEC determines they are attracting bears. These rules are enforced by NY DEC Region 4 (which covers Rensselaer County) Environmental Conservation Officers (ECOs). Eastern Rensselaer County towns bordering the Taconic ridge (Stephentown, Berlin, Petersburgh, Grafton) see regular black bear activity; residents are advised to take bird feeders down from April 1 through November 30. Feeding wild turkeys for hunting purposes is also prohibited under 6 NYCRR §189.2. Local ordinances in Troy may supplement with nuisance-wildlife provisions for raccoons and feral cats.
First offense deer/bear feeding: written warning or $250 fine. Subsequent offenses: up to $500 per day plus possible criminal misdemeanor charges. Refusal to remove attractants after DEC order: additional violations.
Rensselaer County, NY
NY State Residential Code Appendix G requires 48-inch minimum barrier around all pools over 24 inches deep. Self-closing, self-latching gates opening outward...
Rensselaer County, NY
NY Real Property Actions and Proceedings Law 843 governs division fences; shared boundary fences require mutual agreement. Finished side of fence typically m...
Rensselaer County, NY
Rensselaer County benefits from abundant Hudson River watershed and Tomhannock Reservoir supply. No standing watering restrictions. Troy Water Department may...
Rensselaer County, NY
Rensselaer County does not enforce a county-wide grass height. Individual towns set limits via property maintenance codes. Troy limits grass/weeds to 10 inch...
Rensselaer County, NY
Artificial turf is not regulated at the county level. Most Rensselaer County towns allow synthetic turf in residential yards. HOA covenants may restrict. Tro...
Rensselaer County, NY
City of Troy requires residential rental registration under Troy Code Ch. 215 via Code Enforcement; Rensselaer city also registers rentals. Rural towns gener...
See how Rensselaer County's wildlife feeding rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.