San Jose, CA Animal Ordinances: Wildlife Feeding (2026)

San Jose does not have a single standalone wildlife-feeding ordinance, but combines state Fish and Game Code restrictions with municipal nuisance provisions. California Fish and Game Code §251.3 prohibits the intentional feeding of big game mammals such as deer, elk, bears, and mountain lions. Feeding of coyotes, which have become common in San Jose neighborhoods bordering open space, is discouraged by Santa Clara County Vector Control and can be cited as a public nuisance when it habituates animals to human food sources. Raccoon, skunk, and opossum feeding is treated as a vector and public-health issue under county health code. Ground feeding of birds that attracts rodents or wild turkeys in numbers creating nuisance is also subject to code enforcement. San Jose neighborhoods bordering Alum Rock Park, Almaden Quicksilver, Silver Creek hills, and Santa Teresa regularly see coyote, deer, and wild turkey activity; intentional feeding in these areas is particularly scrutinized due to human-wildlife conflict risk. Pet food left outside overnight is considered indirect feeding. Violations start with warning letters but can escalate to administrative fines and, in the case of big game feeding, misdemeanor charges under state law.