Does Nassau County, NY have its own wildlife feeding ordinance?

No. Nassau County, NY does not appear to have a local wildlife feeding ordinance, New York state law applies instead. The rules summarized on this page come from NY ECL 11-0505.

Key Facts Ordinance Text Full Breakdown Violations FAQ Sources More in Nassau County

Nassau County, NY Animal Ordinances: Wildlife Feeding (2026)

Significant Restrictions

Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

Prohibited act: Feeding swans, geese or ducks
Where it applies: Any county-owned or -managed property
First-offense fine: $100 to $500
Repeat-offense fine: $250 to $750 within 5 years
Governing law: Local Law No. 7-2007

Summary

Nassau County prohibits feeding swans, geese, ducks and other migratory waterfowl anywhere on county-owned or county-managed property, including parks, preserves, beaches and Nassau Community College, with no seasonal exception.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Nassau County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

No person shall feed or provide food for any migratory waterfowl on County property at any time of year.

Source: NY ECL 11-0505View official code

Full Breakdown

The county's Migratory Waterfowl Law, Title 63 of the Miscellaneous Laws (current to January 1, 2022, with no later amendment noted), makes it unlawful to feed or provide food for swans, geese, ducks or any other migratory waterfowl on land the county owns, leases or manages, including parks, preserves, beaches and Mitchel Field. Department of Parks, Recreation and Museums security and Nassau Community College security can issue appearance tickets; first violations draw a $100 to $500 fine, repeat violations within five years $250 to $750. The ban does not reach land controlled by towns, villages, cities, the state or the federal government: only county property is covered.

Violations & Fines

First offense: $100-$500 fine. Repeat offense within five years: $250-$750 fine. Parks and Nassau Community College security officers may issue appearance tickets; police officers can also enforce it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the ban cover deer feeding too?

No. Title 63 only bans feeding migratory waterfowl, swans, geese and ducks, on county property; it does not address deer or feeding on private land.

Can I feed ducks at a county park?

No. Feeding migratory waterfowl anywhere on county-owned or county-managed land, including parks, preserves and beaches, is prohibited year-round under Nassau's Migratory Waterfowl Law.

What happens if I get caught feeding geese?

You can be issued an appearance ticket and fined $100 to $500 for a first offense, rising to $250-$750 for a repeat violation within five years.

Sources & Official References

[1]Nassau County Laws, Regulations & Codes

Other rules in Nassau County

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All Nassau County rules

New York rules heatmap·Compare Nassau County to another location·View the New York animal ordinances overview

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