Los Angeles, CA Animal Ordinances: Wildlife Feeding (2026)
Key Facts
- Prohibited animals
- Coyotes, foxes, possums, raccoons, skunks (and other non-domesticated mammalian predators)
- Maximum fine
- $1,000
- Maximum jail
- 6 months in county jail
- Exception 1
- Legal possession with State Fish & Game permit
- Exception 2
- Temporary care of injured/unweaned animal + notify Fish & Game within 48 hours
Summary
Feeding or providing food to wild mammalian predators, including coyotes, foxes, raccoons, possums, and skunks, is a misdemeanor in Los Angeles, punishable by up to $1,000 fine and 6 months in jail.
(a) No person shall feed or in any manner provide food or cause to be fed any non-domesticated mammalian predator including, but not limited to, coyotes, foxes, possums, raccoons and skunks.
(b) This section shall not apply to any person who has legal possession of any non-domesticated mammalian predator and who has a permit from the State Department of Fish and Game to keep the animal. This section shall not apply to any person who provides food or water to any non-domesticated mammalian predator while the animal is injured, trapped or unweaned provided that the person notifies the State Department of Fish and Game within 48 hours of commencing the care.
(c) Any person violating this subsection shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of not more than $1,000.00 or by imprisonment in the County Jail for a period not more than six months, or by both a fine and imprisonment.
Full Breakdown
LAMC § 53.06.5 broadly prohibits feeding any non-domesticated mammalian predator. The ban explicitly covers coyotes, foxes, possums, raccoons, and skunks but is not limited to those species. Two narrow exceptions exist: persons who legally possess such an animal under a State Fish and Game permit, and persons temporarily providing care to injured, trapped, or unweaned wild animals, but only if they notify the State Department of Fish and Game within 48 hours of beginning care. Leaving pet food outdoors that attracts such wildlife can implicate the rule.
Violations & Fines
Misdemeanor under LAMC § 53.06.5(c): fine up to $1,000, imprisonment in county jail up to 6 months, or both.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put food out for raccoons or coyotes in my yard?
What if I find an injured coyote?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Los Angeles
California rules heatmap·Compare Los Angeles to another location·View the California animal ordinances overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Wildlife Feeding in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Los Angeles County handle wildlife feeding.