Manitou Springs, CO Animal Ordinances: Wildlife Feeding (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing law
- Manitou Springs Municipal Code § 7.10.070
- Scope
- All wildlife, public or private property
- Bird feeders
- Suspended out of bear reach Apr 15-Nov 15
- First violation
- Written warning, no fine if corrected
- Repeat violation
- Graduated fine set by city council
- Max general penalty
- $2,650 fine or 90 days jail
Summary
Manitou Springs bans feeding deer, bears, elk and other wildlife anywhere in the city, including leaving food or waste that attracts animals. Bird feeders must hang out of reach of bears from April 15 through November 15. A first violation draws only a written warning, but repeat offenders face a graduated fine set by city council.
A.No person shall intentionally or unintentionally feed or provide food in any manner for wildlife on public or private property within the City of Manitou Springs. Persons will be considered to be in violation of this chapter if they leave or store any waste/recyclables, attractants or food product in a manner that would create an attraction for wildlife. ... C.Between the dates of April 15 th and November 15 th , all bird feeders shall be suspended on a cable or other device so that they are inaccessible to bears, and the area below the feeders shall be kept free from the accumulation of seed debris.
Full Breakdown
070. The chapter defines wildlife broadly to include elk, deer, bighorn sheep, bears, skunks, squirrels, raccoons, coyotes, bobcats, foxes, mountain lions and unrestrained livestock or pets, reflecting the town's location at the base of Pikes Peak. Between April 15 and November 15 every bird feeder in the city must be suspended on a cable or similar device so bears cannot reach it, and the ground below must be kept clear of spilled seed. The prohibition does not apply to anyone licensed by the State of Colorado to possess a wildlife species, or to state-sanctioned wildlife management activity.
090. A second or later violation is subject to a graduated fine schedule set by the city council. 100: a fine of up to two thousand six hundred fifty dollars, up to ninety days in jail, or both, with each day of noncompliance counted as a separate offense.
Violations & Fines
A first offense draws a written notice of violation, not a fine, if the responsible party fixes the problem within the deadline given. Repeat violations trigger a graduated fine schedule adopted by city council, and any Title 7 violation can otherwise be fined up to $2,650, jailed up to 90 days, or both under Section 1.01.100, with each additional day treated as a new offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put out corn or salt licks for deer in my yard?
Do I have to take my bird feeder down?
What happens the first time I'm cited for feeding wildlife?
Who enforces this and what's the maximum fine?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Manitou Springs
Compare Manitou Springs to another location·View the Colorado animal ordinances overview
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Wildlife Feeding in Nearby Cities
How other cities in El Paso County handle wildlife feeding.