Long Beach, CA Animal Ordinances: Wildlife Feeding (2026)
Key Facts
- Parks/Beaches
- Feeding wildlife prohibited
- Code
- LBMC Title 16
- Nuisance
- LBMC Ch. 9.37 may apply
- Enforcement
- Code Enforcement and Animal Care
Summary
Long Beach prohibits feeding wildlife in public parks and beaches under LBMC Title 16. Feeding pigeons and other pest wildlife may constitute a nuisance violation under the city's nuisance code Chapter 9.37.
California. Human-wildlife conflict (HWC) can occur when humans encounter or interact with wild animals in an unwanted or unsafe way. In California, habitat loss and a changing climate have increased the frequency and type of HWC reported to CDFW. It has become more common for people to be "living with wildlife" as communities grow along the urban-wildlands interface and wildlife look for limited resources such as food, water, and habitat. As the State's trustee agency for fish and wildlife, CDFW has developed a robust HWC Toolkit to help reduce or prevent wildlife damage and conflict with wildlife. Learn More Wildlife Incident Reporting CDFW Law Enforcement (CalTIP) CDFW Regional Office Report Oil Spills - (800)
Full Breakdown
Long Beach may prohibit intentional feeding of wild animals to prevent habituation and nuisance wildlife issues. Fed wildlife lose their natural fear of humans, creating dangerous encounters. Common targets of feeding bans include deer, coyotes, bears, alligators, and feral cats (colony management may have separate rules). Bird feeders may be regulated in areas with bear activity. Unsecured trash and pet food left outdoors can constitute unintentional feeding. State wildlife agencies provide guidance on human-wildlife conflict management.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I feed birds in my yard?
Is it illegal to feed stray cats?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Long Beach
California rules heatmap·Compare Long Beach to another location·View the California animal ordinances overview
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Wildlife Feeding in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Los Angeles County handle wildlife feeding.