Feeding wildlife (deer, raccoons, coyotes, bears) in unincorporated King County is prohibited under WAC 232-12-271 and KCC 11.04. Bird feeders are allowed but must not become bear attractants.
Washington Administrative Code 232-12-271 makes it unlawful to negligently feed, attempt to feed, or attract large wild carnivores (bears, cougars) to land or buildings. King County Code 11.04 reinforces state rules and adds enforcement for attracting deer, raccoons, and coyotes creating a nuisance. WDFW (Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife) has primary enforcement authority. Bird feeders are legal but must be managed to avoid bear attractants: take down feeders from April through November in bear-active areas (Cascade foothills, Cougar Mountain, Issaquah Alps). Deer feeding is prohibited to prevent disease transmission and habituation. Unsecured garbage, pet food outside, and fallen fruit are all considered unintentional wildlife attractants and may trigger Bear Smart warnings from WDFW. Penalties can include removal of the offending wildlife and fines. Feeding in King County Parks is strictly prohibited. Fallen fruit should be collected during bear season.
Misdemeanor under RCW 77.15.792, penalty up to 1,000 dollars and/or 90 days jail. Civil WDFW violation 87-250 dollars. Repeat offenders may be subject to bear or cougar removal at their expense.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in King County.
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