Parma prohibits feeding deer and intentional feeding of wildlife that creates nuisance or health hazards under CO 505. Bird feeding is permitted if it does not attract rats or become a public nuisance. Ohio Division of Wildlife regulates deer feeding statewide through hunting regulations.
Wildlife feeding in Parma is regulated under Codified Ordinance Chapter 505 (animal control) and general public nuisance provisions. Cuyahoga County has seen substantial suburban deer overpopulation; Parma's proximity to the Cleveland Metroparks (West Creek Reservation borders the city) means deer regularly enter yards. ODNR Division of Wildlife recommends against residential deer feeding because it concentrates animals, spreads chronic wasting disease risk, and increases vehicle-deer collisions on Snow Road and Pleasant Valley Road. Bird feeding remains lawful provided feeders are maintained (no seed spillage attracting rodents) and not positioned to create neighbor disputes. ORC 1533 prohibits feeding deer on state hunting lands. Parma's ordinance applies year-round regardless of hunting season. Complaints about habitual wildlife feeding leading to rodent infestations route to the Parma Health Department in coordination with Cuyahoga County Board of Health. Feeding raccoons, coyotes, or feral cats can trigger nuisance enforcement even absent species-specific prohibitions.
Nuisance feeding violations under CO 505 start at $100 for first offense. Continued violations after written notice escalate to $250-$500 and may trigger removal of feeders or feeding structures by the city.
Parma, OH
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