Pennsylvania state law (58 Pa. Code §137.33) prohibits intentionally feeding bear or elk. Philadelphia's parks regulations restrict feeding wildlife in city parks. The Health Code (Title 6) addresses conditions that attract rodents and other pests, which can result from wildlife feeding.
Philadelphia may prohibit intentional feeding of wild animals to prevent habituation and nuisance wildlife issues. Fed wildlife lose their natural fear of humans, creating dangerous encounters. Common targets of feeding bans include deer, coyotes, bears, alligators, and feral cats (colony management may have separate rules). Bird feeders may be regulated in areas with bear activity. Unsecured trash and pet food left outdoors can constitute unintentional feeding. State wildlife agencies provide guidance on human-wildlife conflict management.
Warnings for first offense. Fines typically $50 to $500. Repeat violations may result in misdemeanor charges in some jurisdictions.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Philadelphia, PA
Philadelphia caps amplified music and other sound by decibels above background at the property boundary: 3 dB near hospitals/schools/houses of worship, 5 dB ...
Philadelphia, PA
On-street parking in Philadelphia is governed by Title 12 of The Philadelphia Code and enforced by the Philadelphia Parking Authority (PPA), with restriction...
Philadelphia, PA
No zoning permit is needed for a fence at or below the Zoning Code limits; exceeding them requires a permit and a ZBA appeal. A building permit is required f...
Philadelphia, PA
No Philadelphia-specific ordinance directly imposes wildland-style defensible-space or brush-clearance requirements; the dense urban setting means there is n...
Philadelphia, PA
True backyard ground fires (recreational fires and bonfires) are not freely allowed in Philadelphia. The Air Management Code Section 3-202 prohibits open fir...
Philadelphia, PA
Pennsylvania's Act 43 of 2017 (the Fireworks Law) legalized consumer fireworks statewide and largely preempts local bans, but it imposes strict use limits th...
See how Philadelphia's wildlife feeding rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.