The City of Sonoma has no city-specific wildlife-feeding ordinance, but state law applies: under 14 CCR §251.1, feeding wild birds and mammals can constitute illegal 'harassment' of wildlife. Feeding deer, bears, mountain lions, and other big game is prohibited under California Fish and Game Code §4014.
There is no City of Sonoma municipal code provision specifically prohibiting wildlife feeding. State law fills the gap. Under California Code of Regulations title 14, §251.1 (Harassment of Animals), no person shall harass, herd or drive any game or nongame bird or mammal — and 'harass' is defined as 'an intentional act which disrupts an animal's normal behavior patterns, which includes, but is not limited to, breeding, feeding or sheltering.' California Fish and Game Code §4014 specifically prohibits intentionally placing food or feed where it will attract big game mammals (deer, bears, mountain lions, elk). Sonoma is in California's wildland-urban interface (WUI) and CDFW actively enforces these provisions to reduce human-wildlife conflicts and to protect deer from disease transmission and habituation. Persons may still maintain bird feeders, hummingbird feeders, and pet food indoors, but feeders that demonstrably attract problem wildlife (e.g., bears) may be ordered removed under §251.1.
Violations of 14 CCR §251.1 (harassment) and Fish & Game Code §4014 (feeding big game) are misdemeanors under Cal. Fish & Game Code §12000 — punishable by fines up to $1,000 and/or up to six months in county jail. CDFW wardens have primary enforcement authority; Sonoma County Animal Services and Sonoma Police may refer complaints to CDFW.
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