Does Vancouver, WA have its own wildlife feeding ordinance?

No. Vancouver, WA does not appear to have a local wildlife feeding ordinance, Washington state law applies instead. The rules summarized on this page come from RCW 77.15.792 – Washington Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Code.

Key Facts Ordinance Text Full Breakdown Violations FAQ Sources More in Vancouver

Vancouver, WA Animal Ordinances: Wildlife Feeding (2026)

Few Restrictions

Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Local ordinance: None specific to wildlife feeding
Carnivore feeding law: RCW 77.15.790 / 77.15.792
Deer/elk/moose feeding: Banned statewide since May 2025
Enforcing agency: WDFW; city animal control

Summary

Vancouver has no dedicated local ordinance banning wildlife feeding. Washington state law prohibits feeding large wild carnivores and, since May 2025, feeding deer, elk, and moose statewide. The city's general nuisance code may apply if feeding creates a public hazard.

(2) If a fish and wildlife officer, ex officio fish and wildlife officer, or animal control authority, as defined in RCW 16.30.010 , has probable cause to believe that a person is negligently feeding, attempting to feed, or attracting large wild carnivores to land or a building by placing or locating food, food waste, or other substance in, on, or about any land or building, and the food, food waste, or other substance poses a risk to the safety of any person, livestock, or pet because it is attracting or could attract large wild carnivores to the land or building, that person commits an infraction under chapter 7.

Source: RCW 77.15.792 – Washington Fish and Wildlife Enforcement CodeView official code

Full Breakdown

Vancouver Municipal Code Chapter 8.20 defines nuisances broadly but contains no section specifically prohibiting wildlife feeding. State law fills the gap: RCW 77.15.790 makes negligent feeding of large wild carnivores (bears, cougars, wolves) a civil infraction; RCW 77.15.792 makes intentional feeding a misdemeanor. WAC 220-440-260, effective May 17, 2025, further prohibits placing grain, hay, minerals, salt, fruit, or similar substances to feed, lure, or attract deer, elk, or moose anywhere in Washington. WDFW officers and local animal-control may enforce. Vancouver's general nuisance provisions (VMC 8.20.010) could supplement if wildlife congregation endangers public health.

Violations & Fines

Negligent carnivore feeding: civil infraction. Intentional carnivore feeding: misdemeanor. Deer/elk/moose feeding: state WAC penalty up to $1,000.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I put out birdseed or squirrel feeders in Vancouver?

Bird feeders are not prohibited locally, but if the food attracts deer, elk, or bears it can violate state law. Keep feeders secured and inaccessible to larger wildlife.

Who enforces wildlife feeding rules in Vancouver, WA?

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife enforces state feeding prohibitions. Vancouver code compliance may act under the nuisance chapter if feeding creates a health or safety hazard.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Vancouver

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All Vancouver rules

Compare Vancouver to another location·View the Washington animal ordinances overview

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