Reno, NV Animal Ordinances: Wildlife Feeding (2026)

Nevada Administrative Code NAC 503.090 prohibits intentional feeding of big game (deer, elk, bighorn sheep) and predators (bears, mountain lions, coyotes) across the state. Reno reinforces this with local ordinances in RMC Title 6 addressing attractants that draw wildlife into residential areas. Reno's location against the Sierra foothills places neighborhoods such as Caughlin Ranch, Somersett, Arrowcreek, Galena, and Montreux in active black bear territory, where improperly stored trash, pet food, and bird feeders draw bears into urban areas. Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) can cite residents for creating attractive nuisances. Washoe County and Reno have bear-resistant trash cart programs in designated wildland-urban interface (WUI) neighborhoods. Mule deer are common in foothill neighborhoods and can carry chronic wasting disease, making feeding especially problematic. Penalties include fines and removal orders. Feeding waterfowl at Virginia Lake, Idlewild Park, and Sparks Marina is discouraged and can draw enforcement when it creates nuisances.