Feeding wildlife (deer, raccoons, coyotes, bears) in unincorporated King County is prohibited under WAC 232-12-271 and KCC 11.04. Bird feeders are allowed but must not become bear attractants.
Washington Administrative Code 232-12-271 makes it unlawful to negligently feed, attempt to feed, or attract large wild carnivores (bears, cougars) to land or buildings. King County Code 11.04 reinforces state rules and adds enforcement for attracting deer, raccoons, and coyotes creating a nuisance. WDFW (Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife) has primary enforcement authority. Bird feeders are legal but must be managed to avoid bear attractants: take down feeders from April through November in bear-active areas (Cascade foothills, Cougar Mountain, Issaquah Alps). Deer feeding is prohibited to prevent disease transmission and habituation. Unsecured garbage, pet food outside, and fallen fruit are all considered unintentional wildlife attractants and may trigger Bear Smart warnings from WDFW. Penalties can include removal of the offending wildlife and fines. Feeding in King County Parks is strictly prohibited. Fallen fruit should be collected during bear season.
Misdemeanor under RCW 77.15.792, penalty up to 1,000 dollars and/or 90 days jail. Civil WDFW violation 87-250 dollars. Repeat offenders may be subject to bear or cougar removal at their expense.
King County, WA
In unincorporated King County, fences 6 feet or less in height may be built on or within property lines without a building permit. Fences over 6 feet require...
King County, WA
Unincorporated King County's marine shoreline along Puget Sound and Vashon-Maury Island is regulated under the Shoreline Management Act (RCW 90.58), the King...
King County, WA
In unincorporated King County, an above-ground pool that can hold water more than 24 inches deep is regulated as a swimming pool under the Washington State R...
King County, WA
In unincorporated King County, a one-story detached storage shed of 200 square feet or less, accessory to a residential or agricultural use, is exempt from a...
King County, WA
Unincorporated King County requires private swimming pools to be enclosed by a barrier at least five feet high under K.C.C. 16.70.020, with self-closing/self...
King County, WA
King County Ordinance 18467 (2017) limits county cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, and Washington's Keep Washington Working Act (RCW 10.93.16...
See how King County's wildlife feeding rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.