Hemet, CA Animal Ordinances: Wildlife Feeding (2026)

Research of Hemet's Municipal Code (Chapter 10 Animals and Chapter 90 Zoning) did not find a dedicated wildlife-feeding ordinance, unlike some California cities and counties that expressly prohibit feeding coyotes, raccoons, and other non-domesticated predators. In Hemet the relevant local hook is the general public-nuisance standard: HMC Sec. 90-77(e) requires that animals and the conditions under which they are kept "shall not create a public nuisance and shall protect the public health and safety," and feeding practices that draw predators or vermin and disturb neighbors can be treated as a nuisance subject to code enforcement. Beyond local rules, California law governs interactions with wildlife: it is generally unlawful to harass, trap, or relocate wildlife without authorization, and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) discourages and can act against intentionally feeding large predators such as coyotes, bears, and mountain lions because it habituates them and creates public-safety risks. Residents should secure trash, pet food, and water sources to avoid attracting wildlife. Because Hemet has no numeric or section-specific feeding ban of its own, anyone wanting a definitive local answer should confirm current rules with Hemet Code Compliance, while CDFW guidance and state wildlife law remain the controlling authority.