Inyo County, CA Animal Ordinances: Wildlife Feeding (2026)

No standalone Inyo County ordinance specifically banning the feeding of deer, coyotes, or other wildlife was found in the County animal code (Title 8) or zoning code. The closest local controls are the nuisance and sanitation provisions tied to animal maintenance in Inyo County Code section 18.78.310, which prohibit keeping animals or maintaining property in unsanitary conditions or in a manner that creates a public nuisance; leaving food out that attracts rodents, flies, or larger wildlife and produces odors or unsanitary conditions can be addressed under those rules and general nuisance enforcement. Much of the land in Inyo County is federal (Inyo National Forest, BLM, and National Park Service lands), where federal food-storage orders and regulations against feeding or disturbing wildlife apply and are enforced separately from county code. At the state level, California Fish and Game Code and Department of Fish and Wildlife regulations prohibit the intentional feeding of big game mammals such as deer and discourage feeding that habituates wildlife or creates a public-safety risk. Residents in the unincorporated county who want to avoid violations and conflicts (especially with bears and coyotes) should secure trash and pet food, avoid intentionally feeding wildlife, and check the applicable federal land rules for their specific location. Confirm specifics with Inyo County and the managing land agency.