Madera County, CA Animal Ordinances: Wildlife Feeding (2026)
Key Facts
- Applies in
- Sierra National Forest lands
- Requirement
- bear-proof garbage containers
- Covers
- owners, lessees, businesses
- Penalty
- misdemeanor
Summary
In the Sierra National Forest portion of unincorporated Madera County, property owners, residents and businesses must keep garbage and other bear attractants secured in bear-proof containers rather than accessible to wildlife.
Within the areas described in Section 6.36.030 above, the owner, lessee, resident or person exercising physical control of any private property, including businesses, shall at all times place garbage or other substances that would reasonably be expected to attract bears in private bear-proof containers for collection, or inside bear-proof structures.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 52).
Full Breakdown
Madera County's bear control ordinance (Chapter 6.36) doesn't ban feeding wildlife directly, but it requires anyone who owns, leases, resides on or otherwise controls private property within the boundaries of the Sierra National Forest in unincorporated Madera County, including businesses, to place garbage or other substances reasonably expected to attract bears into a bear-proof collection bin, container or structure at all times. Containers and structures must be kept clean inside and out, covers must stay securely closed, and bins cannot be overloaded to the point a cover won't close. Violating the chapter is a misdemeanor under the county's general penalty provisions.
Violations & Fines
Leaving garbage or bear attractants outside a bear-proof container on private property within the Sierra National Forest boundary in the county is a misdemeanor under Madera County Code § 6.36.060.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it illegal to feed deer or bears in unincorporated Madera County?
Who has to use bear-proof containers?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Madera County
California rules heatmap·Compare Madera County to another location·View the California animal ordinances overview
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