Kennewick, WA Animal Ordinances: Wildlife Feeding (2026)
Key Facts
- State Rule
- WDFW effective May 17, 2025
- Banned Species
- Deer, elk, moose
- Authority
- RCW 77.15.160 + 77.15.790
- Enforcer
- WDFW Region 3 + KPD
- Local Ordinance
- None specific in KMC
Summary
Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife rules effective May 17, 2025 prohibit feeding deer, elk, and moose statewide to slow chronic wasting disease. RCW 77.15.790 and RCW 77.15.160 establish infractions for intentional feeding. Kennewick has no separate wildlife-feeding ordinance and defers to state law and WDFW Region 3 enforcement.
(2) If a fish and wildlife officer, ex officio fish and wildlife officer, or animal control authority, as defined in RCW 16.30.010 , has probable cause to believe that a person is negligently feeding, attempting to feed, or attracting large wild carnivores to land or a building by placing or locating food, food waste, or other substance in, on, or about any land or building, and the food, food waste, or other substance poses a risk to the safety of any person, livestock, or pet because it is attracting or could attract large wild carnivores to the land or building, that person commits an infraction under chapter 7.
Full Breakdown
WDFW adopted statewide rules effective May 17, 2025 making it illegal to feed deer, elk, and moose anywhere in Washington. The rationale is the prevention of chronic wasting disease (CWD) spread, which has been detected in eastern Washington and is fatal to cervids. 160(11)(b) makes it an infraction to place, deposit, distribute, or scatter feed including grain, hay, minerals, salt, fruit, or other substances to feed, lure, or attract deer, elk, or moose not lawfully held in captivity. 790 separately covers negligent feeding of large carnivores (bears, cougars) and prohibits feeding that leads to dangerous wildlife conflicts.
The Tri-Cities area, including Kennewick along the Columbia River and the surrounding shrub-steppe, has elevated mule deer activity, making the new rule locally relevant. Bird feeders remain generally lawful, but WDFW guidance instructs residents to remove feeders that incidentally attract deer or bears, particularly during spring and summer. The City of Kennewick has not adopted its own wildlife-feeding ordinance; complaints route to WDFW Region 3 enforcement officers and Kennewick Police for nuisance issues in city parks.
Violations & Fines
Feeding deer, elk, or moose is an infraction under RCW 77.15.160 with monetary penalties set by the court. Repeat or aggravated negligent feeding of large carnivores can be cited under RCW 77.15.790 with escalating penalties. WDFW Region 3 enforcement officers may order removal of attractants. Park-rule violations within Kennewick city parks are enforced by Kennewick Police and the Parks and Recreation Department.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I feed deer in my Kennewick backyard?
Are bird feeders allowed?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Kennewick
Compare Kennewick to another location·View the Washington animal ordinances overview
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