Palo Alto, CA Animal Ordinances: Wildlife Feeding (2026)
Key Facts
- Deer and coyotes
- Prohibited to feed
- Songbird feeders
- Allowed
- Pet food outside
- Constructive feeding
- First-offense response
- Warning
- Max fine
- 500 dollars
Summary
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.
Human-wildlife conflict (HWC) can occur when humans encounter or interact with wild animals in an unwanted or unsafe way. In California, habitat loss and a changing climate have increased the frequency and type of HWC reported to CDFW. It has become more common for people to be "living with wildlife" as communities grow along the urban-wildlands interface and wildlife look for limited resources such as food, water, and habitat. As the State's trustee agency for fish and wildlife, CDFW has developed a robust HWC Toolkit to help reduce or prevent wildlife damage and conflict with wildlife.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: the cited page had not changed since it was quoted.
Full Breakdown
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put out a water dish for deer?
What about feral cats?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Palo Alto
California rules heatmap·Compare Palo Alto to another location·View the California animal ordinances overview
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Wildlife Feeding in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Santa Clara County handle wildlife feeding.