Illinois Wildlife Code and Lake County Code prohibit feeding of white-tailed deer and Canada geese. Coyote feeding is discouraged. Bird feeders must not attract nuisance wildlife or bears (rare but documented).
Illinois Wildlife Code 520 ILCS 5/2.37 and Illinois Administrative Code 17 IAC 635 prohibit the feeding of white-tailed deer except for legal baiting exceptions. Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) enforces deer-feeding bans countywide to control Chronic Wasting Disease and reduce vehicle collisions, a major Lake County concern given suburban deer populations in areas like Lake Forest, Mettawa, Bannockburn, and Long Grove. Lake County Forest Preserves also prohibit feeding all wildlife on preserve property. Canada goose feeding is restricted near beaches, parks, and retention ponds under local ordinances and state Nuisance Wildlife rules. Pet food must not be left outdoors overnight, as it attracts raccoons, skunks, opossums, and coyotes. Bird feeders are generally allowed but must be maintained so spilled seed does not attract rodents. Intentional feeding of coyotes is treated as a nuisance violation.
Deer feeding: IDNR citation, Class B misdemeanor, fines up to $1,500 plus court costs. Local nuisance wildlife feeding: $75 to $500 per violation. Repeat offenses escalate; potential misdemeanor charges. Feeders attracting bears or coyotes may be ordered removed.
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