Palo Alto prohibits feeding wild deer, coyotes, raccoons, and other wildlife citywide under PAMC 6.08 to reduce human-wildlife conflicts, especially near the foothills.
Palo Alto Municipal Code Title 6 and PAMC 6.08 prohibit the intentional feeding of non-domestic wildlife within city limits, including deer, coyotes, raccoons, skunks, opossums, and wild turkeys. The ordinance targets foothill neighborhoods (Crescent Park, Old Palo Alto, Barron Park, and homes near Foothills Nature Preserve) where feeding creates habituation, increases vehicle collisions, and encourages predators near pets and children. Leaving pet food outside, unsecured garbage, and fallen fruit that accumulates can also trigger violations as constructive feeding. Songbird feeders are allowed but must be maintained to prevent rodent issues. First violations result in a warning; repeat offenses can bring fines up to 500 dollars.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Palo Alto, CA
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