Spokane prohibits intentional feeding of wildlife that creates a nuisance or attracts predators under SMC 10.04. Feeding deer, raccoons, and coyotes is specifically discouraged; bird feeders and squirrel feeding are generally allowed.
Spokane's urban-wildland interface, including the Palouse foothills and Dishman Hills, brings regular wildlife encounters with deer, coyotes, and occasional bears and cougars. SMC 10.04 and WDFW guidance make it unlawful to intentionally feed or leave food for large wildlife in a manner that creates a public nuisance or habituates animals. Bird feeders are allowed but must be managed to avoid attracting bears (taken down April through November in foothill neighborhoods). Trash must be secured in bear-resistant containers in specified high-risk neighborhoods. Intentional feeding that attracts a cougar or bear that later has to be euthanized can result in civil liability under WDFW policy.
Civil infraction under SMC with fines 100 to 500 dollars. WDFW can impose additional penalties if feeding leads to dangerous wildlife interactions.
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