Waltham discourages wildlife feeding to prevent conflicts with bears, coyotes, and turkeys increasingly seen near Prospect Hill and the Cambridge Reservoir.
While Waltham does not have a specific wildlife feeding ban, Massachusetts state law under 321 CMR 2.14 prohibits feeding bears and allows MassWildlife to issue feeding cessation orders for any wildlife creating public safety concerns. Coyotes have been reported on Prospect Hill, near the Cambridge Reservoir, and along the Charles River. Wild turkey flocks cross through neighborhoods regularly. Residents feeding deer or wild turkeys intentionally can face state fines. Bird feeding is generally allowed but can be restricted if it attracts bears or rats. Dumpster management under Health Department rules indirectly targets wildlife attractants.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Middlesex County.
See how other cities in Middlesex County handle wildlife feeding.
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