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Alameda County, CA Animal Ordinances: Wildlife Feeding (2026)

Light Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified April 2026

Key Facts

Intentional feeding
Prohibited
Big game rule
Fish and Game 2816
First offense fine
$100 plus costs
Pet food outside
Prohibited overnight
Injured wildlife
Call CDFW

Summary

Alameda County prohibits the intentional feeding of deer, coyotes, raccoons, skunks, bears, and other wildlife. Violations are a public nuisance and can trigger fines. Songbird feeders are generally allowed.

City-specific rules exist: Livermore, Fremont, Oakland, and Berkeley have their own wildlife feeding rules that differ from Alameda County's county-level regulations. If you live in one of those cities, check the city-specific page instead.

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.

Source: CA Fish and Game Code 2816View official code

Full Breakdown

Alameda County Code and state regulations (CA Fish and Game Code 2816 bear/big game feeding prohibition, CCR Title 14 Section 472 non-game mammals) prohibit feeding wildlife that can become habituated to humans. This specifically includes deer, coyotes, foxes, raccoons, opossums, skunks, mountain lions, and bears. Violations start at $100 and escalate with repeat offenses, and can support abatement orders requiring removal of attractants. Bird feeders for songbirds are allowed, but feed stations attracting rodents, turkeys, or aggressive wildlife may be ordered removed. Pet food must not be left outside overnight. The East Bay foothill communities (Castro Valley, San Lorenzo hills) have heightened enforcement due to mountain lion and coyote activity. Report injured wildlife to CDFW, not animal control.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I feed stray cats?
Feral cat colonies should be managed through TNR programs. Unmanaged feeding that attracts wildlife may be cited.
Are squirrels and songbirds exempt?
Backyard bird feeders are permitted. If they attract rats, raccoons, or turkeys creating a nuisance, removal may be ordered.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Alameda County

Dog Leash LawsSome RestrictionsChickens & LivestockSignificant RestrictionsMandatory Spay/NeuterSome RestrictionsBreed RestrictionsLight RestrictionsExotic PetsSignificant RestrictionsBeekeepingSignificant RestrictionsParking Rules: Commercial & Oversized VehiclesSignificant RestrictionsParking Rules: Preferential Parking DistrictsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSome RestrictionsLandscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage TreesSome RestrictionsWater Use Rules: Recycled Water RulesLight RestrictionsHistoric Preservation: Historic-Cultural MonumentsSignificant Restrictions

All Alameda County rules

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Wildlife Feeding in Cities Across Alameda County

Oakland, CAFremont, CAHayward, CABerkeley, CASan Leandro, CALivermore, CACastro Valley, CA