South Gate, CA Animal Ordinances: Wildlife Feeding (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- SGMC § 4.05.020
- Predators covered
- Coyotes, raccoons, foxes, opossums
- Rodents covered
- Ground squirrels
- Penalty
- Infraction
Summary
South Gate makes it unlawful to feed nondomesticated rodents or predators, including coyotes, raccoons, foxes and opossums, anywhere in the city, with narrow permit and rescue exceptions.
Except as otherwise provided for herein, no person shall feed or in any manner provide food to a nondomesticated rodent or a nondomesticated mammalian predator. For purposes of this chapter: "Rodent" includes ground squirrels; "Mammalian predators" includes coyotes, raccoons, foxes and opossums.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4847832; v1 updated 2026-05-12; through 05-12-2026).
Full Breakdown
City code prohibits feeding or providing food to any nondomesticated rodent, including ground squirrels, or any nondomesticated mammalian predator, a term the code defines to include coyotes, raccoons, foxes and opossums. The ban applies citywide regardless of zoning district. The only exceptions are for a person who owns the animal under a valid California Department of Fish and Game permit, or someone feeding a trapped, injured or unweaned animal only between notifying the animal control director and pickup. Violating the feeding ban is enforced as an infraction under Chapter 4.05.
Violations & Fines
Leaving out food, garbage, or pet food that attracts coyotes, raccoons, foxes, opossums or ground squirrels; directly feeding them
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it illegal to feed coyotes in South Gate?
Can I feed an injured raccoon I found?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in South Gate
California rules heatmap·Compare South Gate to another location·View the California animal ordinances overview
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Wildlife Feeding in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Los Angeles County handle wildlife feeding.