Adams County, CO Animal Ordinances: Wildlife Feeding (2026)
Key Facts
- Feeding wildlife
- Unlawful without county permission
- Also banned
- Hunting, trapping, harassing, disturbing wildlife
- Exempt
- Authorized government wildlife-management personnel
- Fine
- $100 civil infraction per violation
- Rule
- Resolution 2022-649, Rule 6(d)
Summary
Intentionally feeding, or trying to feed, any wildlife in an Adams County park, trail or open space area is unlawful without the county's written permission under Resolution 2022-649's Rule 6(d). The same rule bars hunting, trapping, disturbing or harassing wildlife, and government wildlife-management personnel acting under law are exempt from the ban.
No person shall intentionally feed, or attempt to feed, any wildlife within any Adams County park, trail, or open space without permission from the County. This provision shall not apply to any county, state, or federal government personnel authorized by the County to carry out a wildlife management program pursuant to applicable law or county-approved rules and regulations. ... Violation of any other Rule or Regulation adopted herein shall be a Civil Infraction as provided for in C.R.S. § 29-7-101(2), as amended, and upon conviction thereof, shall be punished by a fine of one hundred dollars ($100.00) per violation (as required by C.R.S. § 16-2.3-102(1)(a)), plus any applicable fees and surcharges, or as otherwise provided by law.
Full Breakdown
§ 18-9-117 and § 29-7-101(2), protects wildlife on every county park, trail and open space area. Rule 6(d) makes it unlawful for any person to intentionally feed, or attempt to feed, any wildlife without permission from the county. to include endangering, worrying, impeding, pursuing, disturbing or tormenting wildlife; and trapping, hunting, pursuing or killing wildlife, or allowing a domestic animal to do so (6(c)). All four provisions exempt county, state or federal personnel who are authorized to carry out a wildlife management program under applicable law or county-approved rules. § 29-7-101(2), punishable by a $100 fine per violation plus fees and surcharges, in addition to possible ejection from the property.
Violations & Fines
Feeding, harassing, trapping or hunting wildlife in an Adams County park, trail or open space area, without county authorization, is a civil infraction under C.R.S. § 29-7-101(2). A Park Ranger or sheriff's deputy can issue a citation carrying a $100 fine per violation plus fees and surcharges under C.R.S. § 16-2.3-102(1)(a), and the county can eject the violator from the property.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I feed the geese or deer at an Adams County park?
Is it illegal to disturb wildlife on a county trail?
What is the penalty for feeding wildlife in a county park?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Adams County
Compare Adams County to another location·View the Colorado animal ordinances overview
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