Douglas County, CO Animal Ordinances: Wildlife Feeding (2026)
Key Facts
- County feeding ordinance
- None specific
- State bear rule
- C.R.S. 33-6-131
- First offense
- Warning
- Repeat fines
- $200 / $1,000 / $2,000
- Enforced by
- Colorado Parks & Wildlife
Summary
Douglas County has no separate wildlife-feeding ordinance, but Colorado state law makes it unlawful to place food in the open to lure a wild bear. Given the county's foothills (Roxborough, Castle Pines), residents should secure trash and avoid feeding deer, elk, or bears.
Unless otherwise permitted by commission rule, it is unlawful for any person to place food or edible waste in the open with the intent of luring a wild bear to such food or edible waste.
Full Breakdown
Under C.R.S. §33-6-131, "unless otherwise permitted by commission rule, it is unlawful for any person to place food or edible waste in the open with the intent of luring a wild bear." The rule exempts agriculture and unharvested crops. Enforcement is by Colorado Parks & Wildlife: a first violation brings a warning; a second or subsequent violation is a misdemeanor punishable by fines of $200 (first), $1,000 (second), and $2,000 (third). Douglas County's own resolutions do not add a general prohibition on feeding deer or elk, but bear-attractant behavior in the foothills communities is regulated by this state statute and by any HOA wildlife-attractant covenants.
Violations & Fines
Intentionally luring a wild bear: warning for a first offense, then a misdemeanor with fines up to $200, $1,000, and $2,000 for repeat offenses under C.R.S. §33-6-131(3).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it illegal to feed bears in Douglas County?
Can I feed deer in my yard?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Douglas County
Compare Douglas County to another location·View the Colorado animal ordinances overview
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