Lower Paxton, PA Animal Ordinances: Wildlife Feeding (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- § 68-4, Feeding of wild animals prohibited
- Added
- 11-6-2019 by Ord. No. 18-05
- Excepted animals
- Small seed eating birds, squirrels, chipmunks
- Also banned
- Mineral blocks and salt licks, unless for authorized domestic livestock
- Named wild animals
- Deer, bears, raccoons, skunks, geese, turkeys, nondomestic canines and felines
- Maximum fine
- $1,000, plus costs, under § 68-7
Summary
In Lower Paxton Township, Dauphin County, § 68-4 makes it unlawful to feed a wild animal unless licensed to do so. Small seed eating birds, squirrels and chipmunks are excepted. Mineral blocks and salt licks are also banned unless intended for authorized domestic livestock. Deer, bears, geese and turkeys are named among the covered wild animals.
It is unlawful for any person to feed a wild animal unless licensed to do so, with the exception of small seed eating birds, squirrels, and chipmunks. It is unlawful to place out mineral blocks or salt licks unless they are intended for authorized domestic livestock. For purposes of this section, wild animals shall include but not be limited to deer; bears; nondomestic canines; nondomestic felines; nondomestic rabbits; skunks; raccoons; large birds, such as geese and turkeys; and other such wild animals which are typically found in and or are native to Pennsylvania.
Full Breakdown
Section 68-4 of the Lower Paxton Township Code, Feeding of wild animals prohibited, was added on 11-6-2019 by Ord. No. 18-05 of the Board of Supervisors. The Editor's Note in the code records that the same ordinance renumbered the former § 68-4, Violations and penalties, as § 68-7.
The core rule is that it is unlawful for any person to feed a wild animal unless licensed to do so. The section does not say which agency issues that license. Three kinds of animals are carved out: small seed eating birds, squirrels, and chipmunks. A backyard feeder for songbirds or squirrels is outside the ban, while feeding anything else on the list is inside it.
The second sentence bans placing out mineral blocks or salt licks unless they are intended for authorized domestic livestock. That closes the route of leaving a salt lick in a yard to draw deer.
The third sentence defines the term. Wild animals include, but are not limited to, deer; bears; nondomestic canines; nondomestic felines; nondomestic rabbits; skunks; raccoons; large birds, such as geese and turkeys; and other such wild animals found in or native to Pennsylvania. Because the list is open, an animal not named still counts if it is a wild animal of that kind. Nondomestic canines is the wording that reaches coyotes and foxes without naming them.
Stray and feral cats fall under a separate section, § 68-5, which allows feeding only through a feral cat management project with trap, neuter and release. Enforcement is assigned by § 68-6 to any Township police officer or Code Enforcement Officer, and § 68-7 supplies the penalty.
Violations & Fines
Violations of Chapter 68 are brought before a Magisterial District Judge as summary offenses under the Pennsylvania Rules of Criminal Procedure. On conviction in a summary proceeding, a person, firm or corporation that violates or permits a violation faces a fine of not more than $1,000, plus costs, or, in default of payment, imprisonment for a term not exceeding 30 days. Township police officers and Code Enforcement Officers enforce the ban.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I feed deer in Lower Paxton Township?
Are bird feeders allowed in Lower Paxton Township?
Are salt licks or mineral blocks banned in Lower Paxton Township?
What is the fine for feeding wild animals in Lower Paxton Township?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Lower Paxton
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