Walnut Creek, CA Animal Ordinances: Wildlife Feeding (2026)
Key Facts
- Feeding wildlife
- Prohibited by city code
- Deer depredation
- CDFW permit required
- Mountain lions
- Protected under Prop 117
- Rehabilitation center
- Lindsay Wildlife Experience
- Common wildlife
- Deer, turkeys, coyotes, raccoons
Summary
Walnut Creek residents regularly encounter deer, wild turkeys, coyotes, raccoons, skunks, and the occasional mountain lion due to the city's proximity to Mount Diablo State Park and extensive open space; feeding wildlife is prohibited and problem animals are handled by California Department of Fish & Wildlife, not the city.
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. In California, habitat loss and a changing climate have increased the frequency and type of HWC reported to CDFW.
Full Breakdown
Walnut Creek borders significant open space including Shell Ridge, Lime Ridge, and Mount Diablo State Park, and wildlife encounters are routine throughout the city. The city prohibits the intentional feeding of wildlife (deer, coyotes, raccoons, turkeys, squirrels, and similar) under Municipal Code provisions against creating attractive nuisances. Violations can result in administrative fines and are a common trigger for code enforcement activity. Residents experiencing property damage from wildlife have limited recourse: depredation permits for deer must be obtained from the California Department of Fish & Wildlife (CDFW), not the city.
Coyote management follows a non-lethal 'hazing' framework encouraged by CDFW, loud noises, eye contact, and throwing objects, with lethal removal reserved for CDFW-designated problem animals that threaten people or pets. Mountain lion sightings should be reported to CDFW; they are a specially protected mammal under Proposition 117 (1990). Injured or orphaned wildlife is handled by Lindsay Wildlife Experience in Walnut Creek, a local rehabilitation center. Raccoons, skunks, and opossums nesting under homes are considered private-property nuisances; owners must hire licensed wildlife trappers and comply with CDFW's prohibition on relocation beyond the immediate area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I feed the deer in my Walnut Creek backyard?
What do I do about a coyote in my neighborhood?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Walnut Creek
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Wildlife Feeding in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Contra Costa County handle wildlife feeding.