Snohomish County's animal code does not set a general backyard wildlife-feeding ban. Feeding large carnivores such as bears and cougars is prohibited by Washington state law under RCW 77.15.792, enforced by the Department of Fish and Wildlife. Attractant nuisances may also draw county nuisance action.
The county sets no specific ordinance in Title 9 barring the feeding of songbirds, deer, or general wildlife - that gap is filled by state law. RCW 77.15.792 makes negligently feeding, attracting, or providing food to large wild carnivores (bears, cougars, wolves) a violation enforced by WDFW, because it habituates dangerous animals. Intentionally placing food or attractants that draw large carnivores can bring a state infraction and, on repeat, criminal liability. At the local level, food left out that creates a rodent or nuisance-animal problem can be addressed under the county's general nuisance provisions, but the primary wildlife-feeding rule is the state carnivore statute.
Feeding large carnivores in violation of RCW 77.15.792 is enforced by WDFW as an infraction, escalating to a misdemeanor for repeat offenses. Attractant nuisances may separately be abated under county nuisance rules.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
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