Reno, NV Animal Ordinances: Wildlife Feeding (2026)
Key Facts
- Rule
- No wildlife feeding in city parks
- Exceptions
- 3 ponds: Idlewild, Teglia's, Virginia Lake
- Allowed feed
- Commercial wildlife feed only
- Banned feed
- Bread, crackers, human food
- Penalty
- Code violation
Summary
Reno prohibits feeding waterfowl, birds, or wildlife in city parks except at three designated pond locations, where only commercial wildlife feed is permitted, not bread or crackers.
Except in the following designated areas and subject to posted signage, feeding waterfowl, birds or wildlife in any park is prohibited. Public feeding of waterfowl shall be allowed only in water and only at the following locations:(1)At Idlewild Park, on the north side of the eastern pond and the south side of the western pond.(2)At Teglia's Paradise Park, at the northeastern pond from any of the three boat docks.(3)At Virginia Lake Park, at the north end of the lake along the retaining wall and on the east shore from the bulbout.(b)Any person feeding waterfowl, birds or wildlife within a designated area shall only use a commercially available product formulated expressly for waterfowl, birds and/or wildlife. Use of bread, crackers or other food products meant for human consumption is prohibited.(c)Violation of this section shall be a Code violation. (Ord. No. 5652, § 1, 2-9-05; Ord. No. 5968, § 1, 9-12-07; Ord. No. 6217, § 1, 1-18-12)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Administrative Code: Supplement 64 | Land Development Code: Supplement 5 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
Reno Municipal Code § 8.23.175 bans feeding waterfowl, birds, or wildlife in any city park. The only exception is public waterfowl feeding into the water at specific spots in Idlewild Park, Teglia's Paradise Park, and Virginia Lake Park. Even there, feeders must use a commercially formulated wildlife or waterfowl product: bread, crackers, and other human food are barred. The rule covers Reno's parks and recreation facilities; it does not reach private property or areas outside city limits in Washoe County or neighboring Sparks.
Violations & Fines
Feeding wildlife outside the three designated ponds, or feeding bread or crackers even within them, is a Code violation under RMC § 8.23.175, enforced by Reno parks staff.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I feed ducks at Reno parks?
Is feeding wildlife illegal everywhere in Reno?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Reno
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