Oak Park, IL Animal Ordinances: Wildlife Feeding (2026)

The Village of Oak Park addresses wildlife feeding through its nuisance and public health ordinances. While Oak Park does not have a blanket ban on all wildlife feeding, the Village discourages feeding of wild animals such as deer, coyotes, raccoons, opossums, and feral cats in ways that create nuisance conditions. Feeding wildlife that results in property damage, unsanitary conditions, pest infestations, or public safety concerns may be enforced as a nuisance violation. Oak Park is part of the greater Chicago metropolitan area and experiences urban wildlife including coyotes, raccoons, skunks, and occasional deer. The Village participates in regional coyote management programs and advises residents never to feed coyotes. Bird feeding is generally permitted but feeders must be maintained to prevent rodent attraction, and spilled seed must be cleaned regularly. All residents must store trash in secure, animal-resistant containers. Outdoor pet food should not be left unattended. The Village Health Department and Animal Control can provide guidance on wildlife conflicts.