Chesterfield County, VA Animal Ordinances: Wildlife Feeding (2026)
Key Facts
- Bear feeding
- Prohibited any time
- Deer feeding
- Banned Sep 1–first Sat Jan
- Nuisance feeding
- 4VAC15-40-286
- Chesterfield deer
- Not year-round banned
- Enforced by
- VA Dept. of Wildlife Resources
Summary
Virginia bans feeding bear at any time and feeding that attracts nuisance wildlife. Deer feeding is prohibited statewide each September 1 through the first Saturday in January. Chesterfield is not on the year-round deer-feeding ban list.
It shall be unlawful for any person as defined in § 1-230 of the Code of Virginia to place, distribute, or allow the placement of food, minerals, carrion, trash, or similar substances when it attracts any species of wildlife in such numbers or circumstances to cause property damage, endanger any person or wildlife, or create a public health concern.
Full Breakdown
Wildlife feeding is regulated by the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources. It is unlawful to place food or attractants that draw wildlife in numbers or circumstances causing property damage, danger, or a public-health concern (4VAC15-40-286). Feeding or attracting bear is prohibited (4VAC15-40-282). Deer feeding is illegal statewide from September 1 to the first Saturday in January (4VAC15-40-285); Chesterfield County is not among the counties where deer feeding is banned year-round. Bird feeders are generally allowed but may be ordered removed if they attract bear or nuisance wildlife.
Violations & Fines
Unlawful wildlife or bear feeding is a Class 3 misdemeanor under DWR regulations; officers may order removal of attractants such as feeders.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I feed deer in my Chesterfield yard?
Is feeding bears legal?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Chesterfield County
Compare Chesterfield County to another location·View the Virginia animal ordinances overview
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