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

San Ramon's western and southern edges abut significant wildlife habitat including Las Trampas Regional Wilderness, Bishop Ranch Regional Preserve, Mount Diablo foothills, and Bollinger Canyon open space. This wildland-urban interface brings regular contact with deer, coyotes, bobcats, wild turkeys, raccoons, skunks, opossums, and occasionally mountain lions and black bears. Feeding wildlife is prohibited under San Ramon Municipal Code, with specific prohibitions on feeding deer, coyotes, raccoons, and other mammals. Even indirect feeding — leaving pet food outdoors, failing to secure trash, bird feeders that attract mammals — can trigger code enforcement action if it creates a nuisance or public safety hazard. Violations start at $100 fines. Coyote encounters are common in Dougherty Valley, Canyon Lakes, and areas bordering open space; small pets should not be left unattended outdoors. California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) handles all dangerous wildlife response including mountain lion sightings (non-emergency: (707) 944-5500), bear encounters, and human-wildlife conflicts requiring removal. Residents are encouraged to report concerning wildlife behavior to CDFW rather than attempting private capture. Rattlesnakes are present in foothill neighborhoods; professional removal is recommended. Hunting, trapping, and harassment of wildlife are prohibited within city limits and illegal without CDFW permits statewide. Migratory bird nests are protected under federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act — active nests (including swallow nests under eaves) cannot be disturbed during nesting season April-August. The East Bay Regional Park District manages trails and may close sections during wildlife activity. The San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District coordinates with CAL FIRE on vegetation management that also serves wildlife-habitat balance. Residents adjacent to open space should secure property against intrusion with 6-ft fencing, remove dense ground cover near homes, and comply with PRC §4291 defensible space.