Rockville, MD Animal Ordinances: Wildlife Feeding (2026)

Rockville does not have a standalone ordinance explicitly banning wildlife feeding, but the city enforces nuisance-related provisions that apply when feeding wildlife creates problems for neighboring properties. Montgomery County Code Chapter 5 addresses situations where maintaining food sources attracts wild animals that become a nuisance or hazard. The county's Office of Animal Services responds to complaints about wildlife conflicts. Rockville is located in the Chesapeake Bay watershed with significant urban-wildlife interface, and the city has experienced issues with deer overpopulation, coyote sightings, and raccoon activity in residential neighborhoods. Deliberately feeding deer is particularly discouraged because it contributes to vehicle collisions, garden damage, and Lyme disease transmission. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources provides guidance on managing wildlife conflicts and discourages feeding wildlife. Residents who attract nuisance wildlife through deliberate feeding may face code enforcement action under Rockville's property maintenance provisions if conditions create a public health or safety concern.