Mission, TX Animal Ordinances: Wildlife Feeding (2026)
Key Facts
- Applies
- Only in posted habitat areas
- Governing law
- Ch. 14, Art. VIII, Sec. 14-255
- Adopted
- Ord. No. 5825, June 9, 2026
- Penalty
- Fine up to state-law maximum
- Each violation
- Separate offense
Summary
Feeding wildlife is banned inside posted Designated Wildlife Habitat Areas in Mission. The city council creates these areas by ordinance, posts warning signage, and bans feeding once signs go up.
Where authorized signage has been installed, the following activities are prohibited within a designated wildlife habitat area when identified by posted signage or other lawful notice: (1)Feeding wildlife; (2)Approaching, harassing, pursuing, capturing, trapping, relocating, disturbing, or attempting to interact with wildlife, except as authorized by law; ... (5)Dumping food, trash, debris, or other materials that may attract wildlife or create unsafe conditions;
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 31).
Full Breakdown
Under Chapter 14, Article VIII, Mission's city council can designate lakes, ponds, drainage channels, parks, or other wildlife-heavy areas as Designated Wildlife Habitat Areas. Once the city posts warning signage in one of these areas, feeding wildlife becomes a prohibited activity there, along with approaching, harassing, or capturing wildlife and dumping food or trash that attracts animals. The ban is site-specific, not citywide: it only applies where signage has actually gone up.
Violations & Fines
Enforced by code enforcement, animal services, police, or other city departments through warnings, citations, or municipal court proceedings; fines are capped at the maximum amount state law or the City Code allows, and each day is a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I feed ducks or deer anywhere in Mission?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Mission
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Mission to another location·View the Texas animal ordinances overview
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Wildlife Feeding in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Hidalgo County handle wildlife feeding.