Jackson County, MS Animal Ordinances: Wildlife Feeding (2026)

Jackson County enforces Mississippi's strict alligator feeding prohibition under MS Code §49-7-80, making it unlawful to feed or entice alligators - particularly relevant given Jackson County's extensive wetlands along the Pascagoula River, Grand Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, and Gulf Coast waterways where American alligators are common. Violations carry fines up to $1,000 and potential misdemeanor charges. Fed alligators lose fear of humans and must be relocated or euthanized. Deer feeding is restricted across Mississippi under MDWFP Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) regulations - supplemental feeding requires registration and may be banned in CWD management zones. Feral hog feeding is discouraged as hogs cause $60 million in annual Mississippi agricultural damage. Black bear populations are recovering in southeast Mississippi; intentional bear feeding is prohibited. Feeding feral cats is not banned but colony caretakers should comply with Trap-Neuter-Return best practices. Unsecured pet food, bird feeders in bear zones, and uncovered trash that attracts raccoons, opossums, and wildlife can trigger nuisance complaints to Jackson County Animal Control. Gulf Coast residents are reminded that feeding pelicans and gulls is also discouraged as it alters migration patterns.