Tuolumne County, CA Animal Ordinances: Wildlife Feeding (2026)
Key Facts
- County feeding ban
- No general wildlife-feeding ordinance found
- State big-game feeding ban
- Prohibited (14 CCR § 251.3)
- Covered species
- Big game – deer, bear, etc.
- Local relevance
- Bear/deer common in Sierra foothills
- Nuisance overlay
- County 'animal nuisance' rules may apply
- State authority
- CA Dept. of Fish and Wildlife
Summary
Tuolumne County's Animal Control Ordinance does not contain a general wildlife-feeding ban, but California state regulation prohibits knowingly feeding big game mammals such as bears and deer. The county code does bar attracting or harboring wild animals in ways that create a nuisance.
Human-Wildlife Conflicts Toolkit Skip to Main Content See the Emergency Closures page before visiting a CDFW office, facility or property. CA.gov Official website of the State of California About Us Contact State of California Department of Fish and Wildlife Menu Custom Google Search Home Fishing Hunting Licensing Conservation Learning Home / HWC Human-Wildlife Conflicts Toolkit Vision: To proactively address human-wildlife conflicts and improve wildlife incident responses; to support safe human-wildlife interactions; and to increase understanding, awareness and appreciation of wildlife in California. Human-wildlife conflict (HWC) can occur when humans encounter or interact with wild animals in an unwanted or unsafe way.
Full Breakdown
No general wildlife-feeding prohibition specific to bears, deer, or other wildlife was found in Tuolumne County's Animal Control Ordinance (Ch. 04). The chapter focuses on domestic animals, exotic/wild pets, and animal control rather than a stand-alone feeding ban. ' Big game mammals include deer, bear, and similar species, so intentionally feeding them anywhere in Tuolumne County, whether directly or by leaving out food or unsecured garbage that draws them, is prohibited statewide. This is especially relevant in Tuolumne County's foothill and Sierra communities where black bears and deer are common and where attracting bears with food or trash creates public-safety and depredation problems.
The county code's general 'animal nuisance' and care provisions can also apply when a person's conduct creates unsanitary or hazardous conditions involving animals. Residents who want a true wildlife-feeding ordinance, or who have a bear or wildlife conflict, should contact the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and Tuolumne County for guidance; feeding wildlife is discouraged both for the animals' welfare and for neighborhood safety.
Violations & Fines
Knowingly feeding big game mammals such as deer or bears violates California Code of Regulations Title 14, section 251.3, a state Fish and Game offense (not a county ordinance). Conduct that attracts or harbors animals in a way that creates an animal nuisance can also be cited under the county Animal Control Ordinance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it illegal to feed deer or bears in Tuolumne County?
Does Tuolumne County have a bear-feeding or trash ordinance?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Tuolumne County
California rules heatmap·Compare Tuolumne County to another location·View the California animal ordinances overview
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