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Rockland County, NY Animal Ordinances: Wildlife Feeding (2026)

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Verified 1 month ago|Source: NY DEC Wildlife Feeding →

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Key Facts

Deer Feeding: Banned ECL 11-0505
Bear Feeding: Banned ECL 11-0506
Bird Feeders: Remove April-November in bear zones
DEC Region: Region 3 (845) 256-3000
Fine: $250-$2,000 state

These county ordinances apply to of Rockland County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

Summary

NY DEC prohibits feeding deer and bears statewide under Environmental Conservation Law 11-0505 and 11-0506. Rockland towns reinforce the ban with local rules against feeding that attracts bears, raccoons, or deer. Bird feeders are generally permitted but must be removed if they attract bears (April to November).

Full Breakdown

NY ECL 11-0505 (deer) and 11-0506 (bears) prohibit feeding these species anywhere in the state. DEC Region 3 covers Rockland County and enforces through conservation officers. DEC can issue a written notice requiring removal of any attractant within 30 days; continued violation is a misdemeanor. Bear activity is moderate in Rockland, especially near Harriman State Park, Bear Mountain, and the Palisades Interstate Park corridor in Stony Point and western Ramapo. Residents in bear-range areas should secure trash, remove bird feeders April 1 through November 30, and keep pet food indoors. Local town codes in Clarkstown Ch. 88 and Ramapo Ch. 130 add nuisance-animal provisions. Feeding feral cats is permitted but colonies must typically be registered with a TNR (trap-neuter-return) program through the Hi Tor Animal Care Center. Feeding ducks and geese at town ponds is discouraged and sometimes specifically prohibited (e.g., Lake DeForest, Rockland Lake).

Violations & Fines

DEC violations for deer/bear feeding: $250-$2,000 per offense (ECL 71-0921). Local nuisance-animal fines: $100-$500. Continuing violations may be charged per day. Bear attractants that result in property damage may create civil liability.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are bird feeders legal in Rockland County?

Yes, but DEC recommends removing them from April 1 to November 30 in bear-active areas like western Ramapo and Stony Point. A feeder that attracts a bear must be removed immediately.

Can I feed feral cats?

Feeding feral cats is not banned countywide, but organized colonies should register with a TNR program such as Hi Tor Animal Care Center. Some HOAs and towns restrict feeding that creates sanitation issues.

Who enforces the deer-feeding ban?

NY DEC conservation officers (Region 3 at (845) 256-3000) enforce ECL 11-0505. Local police and town animal control assist with nuisance complaints.

How does Rockland County compare?

See how Rockland County's wildlife feeding rules stack up against other locations.

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Rockland County, NY Animal Ordinances: Wildlife Feeding (2026)

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