Sioux Falls, SD Animal Ordinances: Wildlife Feeding (2026)

Sioux Falls Chapter 90, Section 90.016 was adopted by Ordinance 80-14 on November 4, 2014 to address the city's significant urban white-tailed deer population, which causes vehicle collisions and disease transmission risk (CWD). The ordinance bars any owner or occupant from placing or allowing to remain on property — public or private — any unnatural food source accessible to deer. Affirmative defenses include: (1) the food source was at least 5 feet above ground and inaccessible to deer (typical bird feeders qualify if hung high enough), (2) the food was placed in good faith for domestic livestock or pets at the owner's request, or (3) the food was placed in good faith for a different purpose and any deer attraction is incidental. The ordinance does not apply to authorized governmental wildlife management activities. South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks separately regulates wildlife feeding statewide and has issued urban deer guidance for Sioux Falls. Note: there is no general 'all wildlife' feeding ban in Sioux Falls — feeding waterfowl, raccoons, or songbirds is not directly prohibited by Chapter 90 but can be cited as a public nuisance under SDCL § 21-10-1 if it draws sustained wildlife concentration.