Queens County, NY Animal Ordinances: Wildlife Feeding (2026)

Feeding wildlife in Queens County is restricted under NYC Health Code Section 153.09, NYC Administrative Code 18-145, and NYC Parks rules. Pigeon feeding is prohibited citywide and triggers a 50 dollar base fine. Feeding deer, raccoons, opossums, skunks, squirrels, and other mammals is prohibited in NYC Parks including Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, Forest Park, Alley Pond Park, and Kissena Park. Feeding waterfowl (ducks, geese, swans) is also prohibited in parks because bread and crackers harm birds and cause water pollution. Residential bird feeding is permitted in private yards if it does not create a rodent or pigeon attractant nuisance; feeders must be cleaned, ground seed removed, and placement must not cause accumulation of waste. NY DEC regulates wildlife feeding on state-owned lands including Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge (partially in Queens). Violations issued by NYPD, Parks Enforcement Patrol (PEP), and DOHMH. Persistent feeding that creates a rodent attractant can additionally trigger DOHMH Notice of Violation for harborage with fines up to 2,000 dollars.