Santa Barbara, CA Animal Ordinances: Wildlife Feeding (2026)

The City of Santa Barbara's animal control code (Title 6) focuses on domestic animals, dogs, cats, fowl, and livestock, and does not feature a stand-alone wildlife-feeding prohibition in the materials the City publishes for residents. However, intentionally feeding wild animals, such as coyotes, raccoons, deer, or waterfowl, can attract wildlife, create unsanitary conditions, and rise to a public nuisance that the City can address under its nuisance provisions. California state law also restricts feeding certain wildlife: it is generally unlawful to intentionally feed big-game mammals (like deer) and to feed predatory mammals such as coyotes and bears, both to protect public safety and to prevent habituation. Residents who encounter sick, injured, or orphaned wild animals are directed to wildlife professionals rather than handling or feeding them; the Santa Barbara Wildlife Care Network and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife are the appropriate contacts. Because the City sits against coastal and chaparral habitat, conflicts with wildlife are common, and discouraging feeding, securing trash and pet food, and removing attractants are the City's practical emphasis. Anyone planning to feed or rehabilitate wildlife should confirm current City nuisance enforcement and state Fish and Wildlife rules first, as no City code section is published that specifically permits routine wildlife feeding.