Trinity County, CA Animal Ordinances: Wildlife Feeding (2026)

Unincorporated Trinity County sits in mountainous, forested terrain where deer, bears, and other wildlife are common, and the County's Rabies Control Program emphasizes that this rural setting increases contact between domestic pets and wildlife, which is one reason it urges current rabies vaccination. The County's Title 6 animal code does not include a specific ordinance prohibiting the feeding of deer, bears, or other wild animals. The controlling rule comes from California state law: it is unlawful to intentionally feed or leave food, garbage, or other attractants where they will lure big game mammals such as deer and bears, under California Department of Fish and Wildlife regulations (Title 14, California Code of Regulations), because feeding habituates wildlife, spreads disease, and creates public-safety conflicts. In practice this means residents and visitors in Trinity County should avoid feeding wildlife and should secure garbage, pet food, and other attractants. Intentionally feeding game animals or allowing attractants to accumulate can draw bears into residential areas and lead to wildlife conflicts and, in serious cases, the destruction of habituated animals. Anyone uncertain about specific rules for an area should contact the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.