Renton, WA Animal Ordinances: Wildlife Feeding (2026)
Key Facts
- Wildlife Feeding Ban
- Bears, coyotes, raccoons
- Bird Feeding
- Allowed with limits
- Garbage Security
- Required
- State Authority
- WDFW citations possible
- Local Code
- RMC 6-6 nuisance
Summary
Feeding wildlife that attracts bears, coyotes, or raccoons is prohibited in Renton under RMC 6-6 and state law, while controlled bird feeding is allowed if it avoids sanitation issues.
In Washington, even the state's urban hubs are just a short drive from mountains, woods, and wilderness. And with that wilderness comes wildlife, in residents' backyards, crossing roads, and sharing trails. Understanding these animals is key to reducing human/wildlife conflicts. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife offers a wide range of information designed to minimize conflicts between humans and wildlife, as well as attracting beneficial wildlife and helping residents better understand the animals in their backyards. [...] Nuisance wildlife: Wildlife is everywhere in Washington -- here's how to stop conflict before it happens, and what to do when it's already begun. [...] Feeding wildlife: Many people may be tempted to feed deer and other wildlife, but doing so can easily do more harm than good.
Full Breakdown
Renton and King County regulate wildlife feeding through nuisance and dangerous animal provisions. Intentionally feeding bears, coyotes, raccoons, opossums, skunks, or other large wildlife in a way that conditions them to human areas is prohibited and may be cited as creating an attractive nuisance. Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife can issue civil penalties for feeding large carnivores under state law. Bird feeding from hanging feeders, suet cages, and hummingbird feeders is allowed for residents provided the activity does not attract rodents, cause significant droppings on neighboring property, or feed non-target species such as raccoons and bears. Residents in areas adjacent to Cedar River, May Creek, and greenbelts near Lake Washington should avoid leaving pet food outside, secure garbage cans, and bring feeders in at night during bear season. Violations are enforced by code enforcement and, for state wildlife, by WDFW officers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put out birdseed in Renton?
Is it illegal to feed backyard deer?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Renton
Compare Renton to another location·View the Washington animal ordinances overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Wildlife Feeding in Nearby Cities
How other cities in King County handle wildlife feeding.