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

Mono County's Title 9 animal code does not contain a section specifically prohibiting the feeding of wild animals, so the controlling rules are a mix of state wildlife law and general nuisance authority. The county sits in prime black-bear and mule-deer habitat in the Eastern Sierra, and intentionally feeding wildlife - directly or by leaving out garbage, pet food or bird seed that bears reach - creates public-safety hazards and habituation. California Department of Fish and Wildlife regulations make it unlawful to intentionally feed big game mammals such as bears and deer, and CDFW promotes bear-resistant trash storage in the Eastern Sierra. Within the county, attractants that draw nuisance wildlife can also be addressed through general nuisance-abatement authority, and Section 9.36.040 of the county code prohibits permitting 'any animal' under your control to commit a nuisance, though that targets owned animals rather than wildlife. Practically, residents and visitors should store garbage securely, avoid leaving pet food outdoors and never deliberately feed bears, deer or coyotes. Because much of Mono County is also federal land (Inyo National Forest, BLM), feeding wildlife on those lands is separately prohibited by federal rules. For specific bear-attractant and trash-storage requirements that may apply in your community, confirm with Mono County and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.