Montgomery County, MD Animal Ordinances: Wildlife Feeding (2026)

Montgomery County Code Ch 5, Section 5-102 prohibits the intentional feeding of deer and other wild animals on public or private property. This law was enacted to address severe deer overpopulation in suburban Montgomery County, where deer density exceeds 100 per square mile in some areas versus the ecological target of 15-20 per square mile. Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD), a fatal neurological disease in deer, has been detected in neighboring states, making feeding bans critical to prevent disease concentration. The county operates a managed deer hunting program (archery) in select parks through the Department of Parks to control population. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) also regulates wildlife feeding statewide. Bird feeders are technically exempt but residents are advised to use feeders that do not spill seed accessible to deer. Feeding raccoons, foxes, coyotes, and other wildlife is also prohibited as it habituates animals to humans and increases rabies risk. The county has documented rising coyote populations in suburban areas including Bethesda, Potomac, and Germantown.