Washoe County, NV Animal Ordinances: Wildlife Feeding (2026)
Key Facts
- Prohibited to feed
- Bat, skunk, raccoon, fox, coyote
- Governing code
- WCC 55.645
- Consequence
- Mandatory relinquishment
- Authority
- Rabies control + NV Div. of Wildlife
- Big game
- Feeding discouraged (NDOW)
Summary
Washoe County prohibits keeping, harboring or feeding high-risk rabies vectors -- bats, skunks, raccoons, foxes and coyotes -- on private property. Feeding these animals can force their relinquishment to authorities. Nevada also discourages feeding big game to protect public safety.
A person shall not intentionally keep, harbor or in any way care for, maintain lodge or feed on private property, a bat, skunk, raccoon, fox or coyote, or any other high-risk transmitters of rabies as defined by the health authority.(b)Any person violating the provisions of paragraph (a) of this subsection shall, upon request of the rabies control authority and the division of wildlife of the state department of conservation and natural resources, relinquish the animal to the rabies control authority or the division of wildlife.2.The rabies control authority and the division of wildlife may grant to any person an exemption from the provisions of this section. (Ord. No. 1207, § 66)
Full Breakdown
Washoe County Code 55.645 bans intentionally keeping, harboring, caring for, lodging or feeding on private property a bat, skunk, raccoon, fox, coyote 'or any other high-risk transmitters of rabies as defined by the health authority.' Violators must, on request of the rabies-control authority and the Nevada Division of Wildlife, relinquish the animal. Chapter 55 does not otherwise ban feeding songbirds or squirrels, but attracting wildlife can trigger nuisance (WCC 55.120) enforcement. Statewide, the Nevada Department of Wildlife strongly discourages feeding deer, bears and other big game near residences in the Truckee Meadows/Tahoe area.
Violations & Fines
Feeding or harboring a prohibited high-risk rabies vector may result in mandatory relinquishment to the rabies-control authority or Nevada Division of Wildlife. Habitual wildlife feeding creating a nuisance is separately enforceable under WCC 55.120.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I feed raccoons or coyotes in my yard?
Is feeding deer or bears illegal in Washoe County?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Washoe County
Compare Washoe County to another location·View the Nevada animal ordinances overview
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