Feeding wildlife in Murrieta is discouraged and can be prohibited as a public nuisance. California Fish and Wildlife rules prohibit feeding big game mammals, and intentional feeding that attracts predators or creates nuisances can result in enforcement.
Murrieta sits at the edge of undeveloped chaparral and wildland-urban interface areas with frequent wildlife activity including coyotes, bobcats, mule deer, raccoons, opossums, skunks, and occasionally mountain lions. California Code of Regulations Title 14 Section 251.3 prohibits the intentional feeding of big game mammals including deer, elk, antelope, bear, wild pig, and mountain lion. Feeding coyotes and other predators is strongly discouraged and can result in enforcement as a public nuisance because it habituates wild animals to humans, increases predator-prey conflicts, and creates attractive nuisances for neighbors.
Murrieta property owners are expected to manage attractants: pet food should not be left outside overnight, fruit should be picked up, trash containers secured, barbecues cleaned, and bird feeders maintained to minimize ground spill. Backyard chicken coops must be predator-proof, as unsecured poultry draws coyotes and bobcats into neighborhoods. Intentional feeding that creates a nuisance for neighbors (raccoon gatherings, rat attraction, coyote habituation) can be abated under municipal nuisance provisions. Bird feeders are generally permitted but must not create rodent problems. Report wildlife concerns to California Department of Fish and Wildlife; report habituated or aggressive wildlife (especially coyotes showing boldness) immediately. Do not approach or trap wildlife without permits.
Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact Murrieta code enforcement directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.
Murrieta, CA
Aircraft noise in and around Murrieta is governed by federal FAA preemption under 49 U.S.C. section 40103, not by city ordinance. French Valley Airport (F70)...
Murrieta, CA
Murrieta regulates leaf blowers under the general noise ordinance in Murrieta Municipal Code Chapter 9.02, which restricts gardening equipment to daytime hou...
Murrieta, CA
Outdoor amplified music in Murrieta is permitted only during daytime hours subject to the 55 dBA residential receiving limit and the plainly-audible-at-50-fe...
Murrieta, CA
All consumer fireworks, including State Fire Marshal Safe and Sane devices, are prohibited in Murrieta at all times. Possession, sale, or use of any firework...
Murrieta, CA
Murrieta property owners must maintain a minimum 100-foot defensible space around structures under California Public Resources Code section 4291, with Zone 0...
Murrieta, CA
Under California Health and Safety Code section 13113.7 and the California Residential Code, Murrieta homes must have smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside ...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Riverside County.
See how other cities in Riverside County handle wildlife feeding.
See how Murrieta's wildlife feeding rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.