Richmond, CA Animal Ordinances: Wildlife Feeding (2026)

Wildlife management in Richmond falls under California state jurisdiction via the Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), with local enforcement by Contra Costa County Animal Services. Intentional feeding of wildlife, including leaving pet food outdoors, is prohibited under nuisance provisions because it habituates animals and increases human-wildlife conflict, especially with raccoons, skunks, opossums, and coyotes common in Richmond's hillside and shoreline neighborhoods. Deer, though less common, are present in surrounding East Bay hills. Under California Code of Regulations Title 14, most wildlife cannot be trapped or relocated without a CDFW Depredation Permit, and the use of body-gripping traps was banned statewide by Proposition 4 (1998). Residents experiencing persistent nuisance wildlife should contact licensed Wildlife Control Operators (WCOs) certified by CDFW. Injured wildlife should be reported to Lindsay Wildlife Experience in Walnut Creek or the International Bird Rescue in Fairfield. Killing wildlife outside of lawful hunting is prohibited.