San Mateo, CA Animal Ordinances: Wildlife Feeding (2026)
Key Facts
- State Law
- CA Fish & Game Code §251.1
- Wildlife Contact
- Peninsula Humane Society: 650-340-7022
- Vector Control
- SM County Environmental Health
- Common Wildlife
- Raccoons, coyotes, deer
- City Enforcement
- Code Enforcement: 650-522-7200
Summary
Wildlife feeding in San Mateo is discouraged through the city's nuisance provisions and California Fish and Game Code Section 251.1 which prohibits feeding big game mammals. San Mateo County Animal Control handles wildlife complaints. Leaving food that attracts rodents or pest wildlife may be cited as a nuisance.
Human-Wildlife Conflicts Toolkit. Human-wildlife conflict (HWC) can occur when humans encounter or interact with wild animals in an unwanted or unsafe way. In California, habitat loss and a changing climate have increased the frequency and type of HWC reported to CDFW. It has become more common for people to be "living with wildlife" as communities grow along the urban-wildlands interface and wildlife look for limited resources such as food, water, and habitat. It is your responsibility to follow all laws and regulations. The CDFW Law Enforcement Division (Wildlife Officers) work with other law enforcement and agency partners to enforce these requirements.
Full Breakdown
Wildlife feeding in San Mateo is addressed through state law and the city's nuisance ordinance. California Fish and Game Code Section 251.1 prohibits feeding big game mammals including deer. The city's Public Works and code enforcement divisions address property conditions that attract pest wildlife. San Mateo County Animal Control handles wildlife complaints and can be contacted through the Peninsula Humane Society. The city's proximity to bay and hillside habitat means raccoons, coyotes, skunks, and deer are common. Feeding wildlife encourages habitation in residential areas and creates safety and nuisance concerns. Standing water and accessible pet food also attract pests and may be cited under the city's nuisance provisions.
Violations & Fines
Feeding big game mammals violates CA Fish and Game Code §251.1. Property conditions attracting pest wildlife may be cited as nuisances. San Mateo County Vector Control addresses rodent-related complaints.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it illegal to feed deer in San Mateo?
Who handles wildlife complaints in San Mateo?
Can I be fined for feeding raccoons?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Mateo
California rules heatmap·Compare San Mateo to another location·View the California animal ordinances overview
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Wildlife Feeding in Nearby Cities
How other cities in San Mateo County handle wildlife feeding.