Marin County, CA Animal Ordinances: Wildlife Feeding (2026)
Key Facts
- Coverage
- Countywide, unincorporated Marin
- Named species
- Coyotes, mountain lions, foxes, bobcats, raccoons
- Also covers
- Deer, via § 8.04.183 definition
- Exception
- Licensed trappers using food as bait
- Penalty
- Misdemeanor, up to $500 fine
Summary
It is unlawful to intentionally feed coyotes, mountain lions, foxes, bobcats, raccoons, skunks, opossums, turkeys or any other non-captive wild animal anywhere in unincorporated Marin County under Section 8.04.226. The only exception covers people legally trapping wildlife who use food as bait.
(a)No person shall intentionally feed or in any manner knowingly provide food for non-captive wild and/or undomesticated animals as defined in Section 8.04.183 of this chapter, including, but not limited to, coyotes, mountain lions, foxes, bobcats, raccoons, skunks, opossums and turkeys.(b)This section shall not apply to persons legally engaged in trapping wild animals with devices utilizing food items as bait pursuant to applicable laws.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Municipal Code: Supplement 2026 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
183 for the county's possession ban. Because that definition sweeps in deer under Order Artiodactyla, the section also functions as a deer-feeding ban even though deer are not individually named in the text. The prohibition targets intent and knowledge, not accidental exposure: leaving unsecured garbage or pet food outdoors that incidentally attracts wildlife is not itself what the section reaches, since it requires that a person "intentionally" or "knowingly" provide the food. Subsection (b) carves out a single exception for "persons legally engaged in trapping wild animals with devices utilizing food items as bait pursuant to applicable laws," letting licensed trappers use bait without violating the ban. 225, and it is enforced by the same animal services agency, the Marin Humane Society, that investigates possession and noise complaints under this title.
Violations & Fines
Section 8.04.226 is not among the sections specifically listed in Section 8.04.260(a), so a violation falls under the chapter's general penalty in Section 8.04.260(b): a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not more than $500, imprisonment in county jail for not more than six months, or both.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put out food for deer in my yard in unincorporated Marin?
Is it illegal to feed coyotes in Marin County?
Does the feeding ban apply if wildlife just gets into my unsecured trash?
Can a licensed trapper use food as bait for wild animals?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Marin County
California rules heatmap·Compare Marin County to another location·View the California animal ordinances overview
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