Walnut Creek, CA Animal Ordinances: Wildlife Feeding (2026)

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.