Tulsa Revised Ordinances Title 2 (Animals) and Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Code prohibit feeding wildlife in a manner that creates a public nuisance. Intentionally feeding deer, coyotes, raccoons, or feral animals within city limits can trigger Title 27 nuisance enforcement. Bird feeders and backyard wildlife habitat are permitted if they do not attract rodents or cause complaints.
While Tulsa does not have a single ordinance titled 'wildlife feeding,' the city enforces wildlife-related feeding problems through several mechanisms. Title 2 Chapter 1 prohibits creating conditions that attract rodents or vermin, and Title 27 Chapter 16 addresses nuisances. Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation (ODWC) regulations (Title 29 §5-202) make it unlawful to feed wildlife on public land and discourage feeding on private land that creates public safety hazards. Tulsa is home to substantial urban wildlife, including deer in the Arkansas River corridor and coyotes in subdivisions near preserves. Feeding stations that attract deer into roadways, or that cause coyote habituation, may result in city citation or ODWC intervention. Bird feeders are permitted but must be maintained to prevent spillage that attracts rats. Feeding feral cats in colonies is regulated separately; Tulsa allows Trap-Neuter-Return programs with registered caregivers through Tulsa Animal Welfare. Oklahoma state law prohibits possession of most wildlife (raccoons, opossums, squirrels) without a permit, so 'rehabilitating' injured wildlife at home is not lawful.
Nuisance citations under Title 27 carry fines up to $500 plus costs. ODWC wildlife violations carry state fines $100-$500. Continued attraction of dangerous wildlife (coyotes, bobcats) may prompt abatement orders.
Tulsa, OK
Tulsa has no local flavored tobacco or e-cigarette ban. Oklahoma Statutes Title 63, Section 1-229.20 broadly preempts cities and counties from regulating the...
Tulsa, OK
Tulsa permits tiny homes built on a permanent foundation as Accessory Dwelling Units under Chapter 45 of the Tulsa Zoning Code. ADUs are capped at 750 square...
Tulsa, OK
Carports in Tulsa are regulated as accessory buildings under Chapter 45 of the Tulsa Zoning Code (Title 42), with construction governed by Title 51 (Building...
Tulsa, OK
Oklahoma's 2007 Taxpayer Citizen Protection Act (HB 1804) and the 2021 SAPA-style 51-258 statute ban sanctuary policies. Tulsa cooperates with ICE detainers ...
Tulsa, OK
Oklahoma Statute 40-160.4 bars Tulsa and every other Oklahoma city from setting a private-sector minimum wage. The state floor matches the federal $7.25 per ...
Tulsa, OK
Tulsa does not levy a general business income tax, but every business needs a city business registration plus an Oklahoma sales tax permit. Combined Tulsa sa...
See how Tulsa's wildlife feeding rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.