Pima County Code and Arizona Game and Fish regulations prohibit intentionally feeding wildlife such as coyotes, javelina, bobcats, deer, bears, and skunks. Feeding most native Sonoran Desert wildlife is a civil violation with fines up to 300 dollars per incident, while feeding bears and big cats can trigger state criminal charges.
The rules aim to prevent habituation of dangerous wildlife in urban neighborhoods, particularly in foothills areas adjacent to Saguaro National Park, Tortolita Mountains, and Tucson Mountains. Incidental bird feeding is allowed if seed is kept off the ground and feeders are secured. Fruit trees with fallen fruit that attract wildlife can trigger nuisance orders. Tucson is also part of the Pima Regional Council on Urban Wildlife which coordinates outreach and enforcement priorities.
Civil fines 100 to 300 dollars per incident. State violations for bear or mountain lion feeding can be Class 2 misdemeanors. Repeated nuisance conditions may lead to abatement orders.
Tucson, AZ
Tucson has no city ordinance restricting lawn ornaments, statuary, or year-round decorations on residential property. Tucson Code Chapter 16 (Neighborhood Pr...
Tucson, AZ
Tucson has no city ordinance regulating residential inflatable holiday displays. Size, height, lighting hours, and blower noise are governed by HOA CC&Rs. Tu...
Tucson, AZ
Tucson has no municipal ordinance regulating residential holiday lights. Timing, brightness, and animated displays are governed by HOA CC&Rs in master-planne...
Tucson, AZ
Tucson requires building permits for outdoor kitchens with gas lines, plumbing, electrical wiring, or structural roofs through the Planning and Development S...
Tucson, AZ
Tucson has no specific city ordinance regulating residential smokers or pellet grills. Smoke nuisance may be addressed under Tucson Code Section 16-31 (exces...
Tucson, AZ
Tucson Fire Department enforces the International Fire Code with local amendments. Per Tucson's BBQ and Open Flame Devices handout, 20-lb propane cylinders m...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Pima County.
See how other cities in Pima County handle wildlife feeding.
See how Tucson's wildlife feeding rules stack up against other locations.
Quick Compare
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.