Milwaukee County, WI Animal Ordinances: Wildlife Feeding (2026)
Key Facts
- Banned
- Feeding waterfowl, game birds, gulls
- Location
- County parks and parkways only
- First offense
- $10 fine
- Repeat offense
- $25 plus community service
- Also banned
- Killing or disturbing park wildlife
Summary
Milwaukee County outlaws feeding waterfowl, game birds, or seagulls anywhere in its county park and parkway system, with an escalating fine for repeat violations.
No one shall feed any waterfowl, game birds or seagulls within any of the parks or parkways of Milwaukee County.(3)Any person violating any of the provisions of subsection (2)(b) of this section shall, for each offense, forfeit a penalty of ten dollars ($10.00). Upon conviction of a second offense and any additional violations of subsection (2)(b) shall forfeit $25.00 and perform four (4) hours of community service as may be directed by the court. Such community service will not interfere with the current bargaining unit agreement and will be assigned by the parks department, or shall be subject to a tax intercept order in favor of Milwaukee County for the payment of the fine, in the discretion of the court.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 112).
Full Breakdown
Milwaukee County bans feeding waterfowl, game birds, or seagulls anywhere in its park and parkway system, under the same section of chapter 47 that governs wildlife in parks generally. The broader provision also bars killing, injuring, or disturbing any wild or domestic bird or animal within a park, and prohibits robbing a nest or eggs, unless the parks director gives written permission and notifies the county board and county executive. The feeding ban carries its own escalating fine schedule, separate from the general chapter 47 penalty that covers most other park violations. The rule reaches county parks and parkways only; it doesn't restrict feeding wildlife on private property.
Violations & Fines
First offense: $10 forfeiture. A second or later offense adds a $25 forfeiture plus four hours of court-ordered community service, or a tax intercept against the violator in the county's favor, per section 47.07(3).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is feeding wildlife banned everywhere in Milwaukee County?
What's the penalty for feeding ducks or geese in a county park?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Milwaukee County
Compare Milwaukee County to another location·View the Wisconsin animal ordinances overview
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