Warwick, RI Animal Ordinances: Wildlife Feeding (2026)
Key Facts
- Coyote feeding
- Prohibited outright
- Songbird/squirrel feeders
- Elevated, within 100 ft of dwelling
- First attractant violation
- Warning only
- Third+ violation fine
- $50.00 to $500.00
- Offense classification
- Civil, not criminal
Summary
Warwick bans feeding coyotes outright and restricts feeding squirrels and songbirds to elevated feeders within 100 feet of an occupied home. Leaving out food, pet food, or birdseed that attracts wild animals near an occupied dwelling is also prohibited, with fines up to $500.00 for repeat violations.
The feeding of wild coyotes within city limits is prohibited and punishable utilizing provisions of section 1-4 in the Code of Ordinances. ... [N]o person shall cause or allow to be left or stored outside of an occupied dwelling any refuse, garbage, food product, pet food, forage product or supplement, salt, seed or birdseed, fruit, grain in a manner that would constitute an attractant to any wild animal.
Full Breakdown
Sec. 4-13(b) states flatly that "the feeding of wild coyotes within city limits is prohibited," enforced through the general penalty provision in Sec. 1-4 of the code. Sec. " Sec. 4-13(d) carves out a conditional allowance: feeding squirrels and Passeriformes (perching songbirds, excluding carnivorous birds and waterfowl) is permitted only from elevated bird or squirrel feeders within 100 feet of an occupied dwelling, and only if the feeding does not create an unreasonable disturbance or nuisance to neighbors and does not attract rats, skunks, foxes, weasels, or coyotes; hummingbird feeding is likewise permitted only from elevated feeders.
Sec. 4-13(e) exempts feed deposited by natural vegetation or that results from normal agricultural or gardening practices. Sec. 00 for a third and subsequent violations, all classified as civil rather than criminal offenses.
Violations & Fines
A first violation of the attractant ban in Sec. 4-13(c) draws only a warning; a second violation within one year is punishable by a fine of up to $250.00; a third or subsequent violation within one year draws a fine of not less than $50.00 nor more than $500.00, treated as a civil offense under Sec. 4-13(f). Coyote feeding under Sec. 4-13(b) is punished under the general penalty section, Sec. 1-4.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put out a bird feeder in Warwick?
Is it illegal to feed coyotes in Warwick?
What's the penalty for leaving out food that attracts wildlife in Warwick?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Warwick
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