MA prohibits intentional feeding of black bears (MGL c. 131, Β§75A) and regulates feeding of white-tailed deer. Boston Health Code Β§2-2.8 prohibits feeding of wild birds (pigeons) and feral animals that create health nuisances. Chelsea, Revere, and Winthrop have similar nuisance provisions. Feeding urban rats by improper trash storage is a public health violation.
Wildlife feeding in Suffolk County is regulated at both state and local levels. MGL c. 131, Β§75A prohibits intentionally placing bait or food to attract bears; violation carries up to $300 fine and loss of hunting privileges. MassWildlife regulations (321 CMR 2.00) allow feeding bans to be established where wildlife conflicts arise. While Suffolk County has limited bear activity, urban wildlife issues focus on pigeons, rats, and feral cats. Boston Health Code (City of Boston Ordinances Β§2-2.8) and Board of Health regulations prohibit feeding pigeons and wild birds in a manner that creates a nuisance, provides a food source for rats, or accumulates on public property. Chelsea, Revere, and Winthrop Boards of Health have similar authority under MGL c. 111, Β§31 and local nuisance bylaws. Unsecured trash that feeds rats is a violation of the Boston Rodent Control Ordinance (Boston Code Β§16-26). All four municipalities have leash/at-large rules preventing domestic animals from accessing wildlife feed. Feral cat colony management: Suffolk County municipalities permit registered Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) programs but require organized oversight. Feeding seagulls along the Revere Beach Reservation is prohibited under DCR regulations (302 CMR 12.00). Holiday and entertainment event organizers must plan feeding-prevention measures.
Bear feeding: MGL c. 131, Β§75A fine up to $300. Boston pigeon/nuisance feeding: $100-$500. Rat-attracting trash: $100-$500 per Boston Β§16-26. DCR park feeding: $100 fine under 302 CMR 12.00.
Suffolk County, MA
Amplified music in Suffolk County is regulated at the city level. Boston requires Entertainment Licenses from the Mayor's Office of Consumer Affairs & Licens...
Suffolk County, MA
Driveway rules in Suffolk County are set by each city. Boston requires a curb-cut permit from the Public Improvement Commission, and blocking a Boston sidewa...
Suffolk County, MA
Massachusetts has a spite fence statute (MGL c.49 Β§21) but no shared fence cost law. Each owner is responsible for their own fence.
Suffolk County, MA
Suffolk County may require vegetation management for fire safety. MA does not have a statewide defensible space mandate. Local property maintenance applies.
Suffolk County, MA
Suffolk County may have a tree warden per MGL c.87. Public shade trees are protected statewide - removal requires tree warden consent.
Suffolk County, MA
MA encourages native plant landscaping through MGL c. 132A (MA Environmental Policy Act) and MassDEP climate guidance. No state law forces or prohibits nativ...
See how Suffolk County's wildlife feeding rules stack up against other locations.
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