San Benito County, CA Animal Ordinances: Wildlife Feeding (2026)

We did not find a published San Benito County ordinance that specifically prohibits feeding wildlife in the unincorporated county. Wildlife in California is chiefly the responsibility of the California Department of Fish & Wildlife (CDFW). Statewide, California Code of Regulations Title 14, Section 251.3, makes it unlawful to intentionally feed big-game mammals (including deer, elk, bears, and wild pigs), a rule aimed at preventing animals from becoming habituated and dangerous - directly relevant in a rural county where deer and the occasional bear or mountain lion occur. Feeding that draws nuisance or predatory wildlife near livestock or homes can also create problems under the County's general nuisance provisions and can be inconsistent with the requirement that animal-keeping not create attractant or vermin conditions. Because the County's animal title (Title 13) was undergoing review, residents should confirm with San Benito County whether any local feeding restriction has been added. For human-wildlife conflicts - such as coyotes, mountain lions, or depredating animals - CDFW is the lead agency and issues any depredation permits.