Moreno Valley, CA Animal Ordinances: Wildlife Feeding (2026)

Moreno Valley sits adjacent to the Box Springs Mountains Reserve and the San Jacinto Wildlife Area, with active coyote, bobcat, mule deer, and occasional mountain lion populations. California Fish and Game Code section 2118 makes it unlawful to keep designated wildlife species, and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife strongly discourages intentional feeding of any wild mammals. Moreno Valley Municipal Code addresses wildlife attractants as public nuisances, targeting conditions that draw coyotes, raccoons, skunks, and opossums into neighborhoods — including unsecured trash, pet food left outdoors overnight, fallen fruit not cleaned up, and intentional feeding stations. Feeding coyotes specifically is treated as a serious violation because habituated coyotes lose fear of humans and may attack pets or small children. Bird feeders are allowed but can become a violation if they attract rats, raccoons, or large non-target species — homeowners must take corrective action when notified. Deer feeding is also discouraged, as it concentrates deer near roads and attracts mountain lions. Residents encountering injured or nuisance wildlife should contact CDFW or Riverside County Animal Services; trapping and relocating mammals typically requires a CDFW depredation permit.