Riverside County Ordinance 630 and California Fish & Game Code §251.3 prohibit intentionally feeding big-game mammals (bears, deer, coyotes, mountain lions). Feeding wildlife creates dangerous habituation and triggers public-safety responses. Bird feeders are generally allowed but can be cited if they attract rodents, bears, or create a nuisance.
California Code of Regulations Title 14 §251.3 makes it illegal to intentionally feed any big game mammal (deer, elk, bears, mountain lion, wild pig, bighorn sheep). Riverside County Animal Services and CDFW wardens enforce this statewide across Riverside County's diverse habitats, from the San Jacinto Mountains to Joshua Tree foothills and Santa Rosa Mountains. Ordinance 630 Section 6.12 also prohibits feeding coyotes, which are abundant throughout unincorporated Riverside County and dangerous when habituated to humans. Violations are infractions, fines typically $100-$1,000, and intentional feeding leading to an attack can support civil liability. Bird feeders are legal but subject to nuisance abatement under Ord. 725 if they attract rats, bears, raccoons, or overflow seed creates a sanitation issue. Pet food left outdoors is the leading inadvertent wildlife attractant in mountain communities; Idyllwild and Pine Cove residents are urged to feed pets indoors. Bear-resistant trash containers are encouraged in Ord. 787 WUI areas and are required in some national forest campgrounds. Feeding feral cats is allowed but subject to the same nuisance rules.
Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact Riverside County code enforcement directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.
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