Metro discourages feeding deer, coyotes, raccoons, and other wildlife in residential areas, and the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency restricts feeding that habituates wild animals or spreads disease. Bird feeders are generally allowed if maintained.
Feeding wildlife is regulated by a mix of Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) rules and Metro nuisance and public health provisions. TWRA prohibits feeding that draws deer or bears for purposes of hunting or that risks transmitting Chronic Wasting Disease, with statewide CWD-related feeding bans in affected counties. Within Davidson County, intentionally feeding coyotes, foxes, and raccoons can trigger Metro nuisance enforcement when it leads to property damage or aggressive animal behavior. Bird feeders are allowed but must be maintained to avoid attracting rodents and bears in greenway-adjacent neighborhoods. Property owners are responsible for cleaning up spilled seed and securing trash to avoid related code violations.
TWRA citations for illegal feeding can carry fines up to $500 plus costs. Metro nuisance abatement may add additional civil penalties of $50 per day until cleaned up.
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