Redding does not have a dedicated wildlife-feeding ordinance, but feeding wildlife in ways that draw nuisance conditions is reachable under Zoning Ordinance Section 18.43.040(G) (unsanitary conditions). The principal restriction is at the state level: 14 CCR Section 251.3, issued by the California Fish and Game Commission, prohibits the intentional feeding of big game mammals (deer, elk, antelope, mountain lion, wild pig, and bear) anywhere in California. California Fish and Game Code Sections 251.1 and 4150 separately prohibit harassment of wildlife and possession of certain mammals.
Redding's local hook for wildlife feeding is the unsanitary-conditions rule in Zoning Ordinance Section 18.43.040(G) at https://files.cityofredding.gov/Document%20Center/Departments/Development%20Services/Planning/Zoning%20Ordinance/Section%201843040%20Animals.pdf, supplemented by the City's general nuisance authority under Chapter 1.13 of the Municipal Code. Feeders that produce rats, mice, or visible accumulations of fecal matter are independently citable. The principal state restriction is 14 CCR Section 251.3 (https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=92395), which provides that it is unlawful to intentionally feed big game mammals in California β defined to include deer, elk, antelope, mountain lions, wild pigs, and bears. Section 251.1 (https://govt.westlaw.com/calregs/Document/IB60E66B4BC7949A9869B1A30E6BEF1FF) prohibits harassment of game mammals, fur-bearing mammals, nongame mammals, game birds, nongame birds, or fur-bearing or nongame birds β including the act of intentionally attracting them through feed that interferes with their normal behavior. Bears in particular are a Redding-area concern given the City's proximity to the Trinity Alps, Whiskeytown National Recreation Area, and the Sacramento River corridor; California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) Region 1 covers Shasta County and publishes guidance on bear-proofing and trash management at https://wildlife.ca.gov/Conservation/Mammals/Black-Bear. CDFW Wildlife Officers enforce 14 CCR Section 251.3 and may issue depredation permits where a habituated animal must be removed. Bird feeders for songbirds are not prohibited but should be cleaned regularly and removed if they attract bears or rodents β under-maintained feeders that produce vermin attract Section 18.43.040(G) citations from Redding Code Enforcement.
Local Section 18.43.040(G) violations carry administrative citations under RMC Chapter 1.13 plus abatement orders requiring removal of feed or attractants. State big-game feeding violations under 14 CCR Section 251.3 are enforced by CDFW with fines and, on repeat offenses, citations under California Fish and Game Code Section 12000 (general misdemeanor with fines up to $1,000 and/or six months in county jail). Habituated wildlife that becomes a public-safety hazard can trigger CDFW depredation removal at no cost to the homeowner but at the cost of the animal.
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