Herndon, VA Animal Ordinances: Wildlife Feeding (2026)

The Town of Herndon, like most Fairfax County communities, addresses nuisance wildlife through a combination of local ordinance and Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) regulation. Feeding deer is generally prohibited due to deer overpopulation and vehicle collision concerns. Feeding waterfowl at Town ponds is discouraged and may be cited. Residents cannot trap and relocate raccoons, foxes, groundhogs, opossums, or similar wildlife without a DWR permit; unpermitted relocation is prohibited to prevent disease spread. Homeowners dealing with wildlife inside structures may hire a Virginia-licensed Commercial Nuisance Animal Control Operator (CNAO) who can humanely trap and dispatch or relocate per state rules. Rabies vector species such as raccoons and foxes cannot be relocated and must be euthanized if trapped. Bear sightings are rare but should be reported to DWR. Coyotes are present in Herndon and are managed by hazing rather than removal. Protected birds including migratory species cannot be killed or nests disturbed.