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

Based on a review of Santa Cruz County Code Title 6 (Animals), the County does not have a general ordinance that prohibits or regulates feeding wildlife - there is no countywide 'do not feed the deer' or 'do not feed wild animals' provision in the animal-control title. The one feeding rule that exists in Title 6 is narrow: Code 6.10.040 conditions the feeding of feral cat colonies on registration and a sterilization/vaccination program, which addresses community cats rather than wild animals. Where local rules are silent, state law controls. Under California Code of Regulations, Title 14, section 251.3, it is unlawful to knowingly feed big-game mammals (which include deer), and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife discourages feeding wildlife generally because it habituates animals, spreads disease, and increases conflicts. Feeding that attracts predators or creates a public nuisance can also draw enforcement under nuisance principles. So while a resident of the unincorporated county will not find a specific County wildlife-feeding ordinance, intentionally feeding deer and other big game is already prohibited by state regulation, and feeding practices that create nuisances or attract problem wildlife should be avoided. For mountain lion, bear, or other wildlife conflicts, residents are typically directed to CDFW rather than County Animal Services.