Palm Springs, CA Animal Ordinances: Wildlife Feeding (2026)

Palm Springs sits at the base of the San Jacinto and Santa Rosa Mountains, home to Peninsular bighorn sheep (federally endangered), mountain lions, bobcats, coyotes, roadrunners, quail, and numerous reptiles. Feeding wildlife is prohibited under PSMC Chapter 10.80 and California law. California Fish and Game Code §251.1 prohibits harassing wildlife, which includes unnatural feeding that changes behavior; §4181 and §4700 cover protected species. Intentional feeding of coyotes, mountain lions, or bears is specifically prohibited under CA Fish and Game Code §4150 and related regulations because it causes habituation and creates public-safety hazards. Palm Springs neighborhoods at the base of the mountains (Araby Cove, The Mesa, Southridge, Andreas Hills, and much of the south end) experience routine coyote sightings, and habituated coyotes have attacked pets and, rarely, humans. Bobcats and mountain lions pass through; bighorn sheep sometimes enter the south Palm Springs golf courses (the city has built fencing along Highway 111 in partnership with USFWS to keep sheep off roadways). Residents must secure trash, not leave pet food outside, and not feed songbirds in ways that spill seed attracting rodents that attract predators. Roadrunners and quail may be enjoyed but not fed directly. Deliberately feeding a coyote or bobcat is grounds for citation. Reports of aggressive or habituated wildlife go to California Department of Fish and Wildlife and, in emergencies, Palm Springs Police. The Bighorn Institute in Palm Desert coordinates regional bighorn conservation. Always keep small dogs leashed and do not let cats roam free — both are coyote prey.