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

Deliberately feeding mammalian wildlife is prohibited statewide in California. California Fish and Game Code 4150 and related regulations make it illegal to take, feed, or harass most wildlife species. Feeding habituates bears, mountain lions, coyotes, and raccoons to human food, which often leads to euthanasia of the animals and is treated seriously by California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW). In the San Bernardino Mountains communities (Lake Arrowhead, Running Springs, Big Bear, Crestline, Wrightwood) and along the desert-mountain transition, feeding bears or leaving unsecured trash that attracts them can result in state citation and local nuisance enforcement. Coyote feeding in foothill and High Desert communities increases attacks on pets and livestock. County code treats intentional wildlife feeding and food attractants (open trash, pet food left outside, fallen fruit) as a public nuisance. Bird feeders for songbirds are generally allowed but must be bear-safe in bear zones (brought inside at night April-November), and hummingbird feeders are typically fine. CDFW provides depredation permits for livestock owners experiencing repeated predator losses. Joshua Tree National Park, the San Bernardino National Forest, and state wildlife areas enforce separate no-feeding rules with federal and state penalties.