Fairfax County, VA Animal Ordinances: Wildlife Feeding (2026)

Fairfax County's wildlife interactions are governed by a combination of county ordinance, Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) regulation, and state law. Deer feeding is prohibited year-round in Fairfax County under Virginia DWR regulation 4VAC15-40-285 because of chronic wasting disease concerns and overabundant deer populations. Feeding black bears, coyotes, and foxes is prohibited. The county conducts archery-based deer management programs in county parks to control overpopulation. Residents experiencing wildlife conflicts (raccoons in attics, groundhogs under decks, beavers flooding properties) must hire a DWR-licensed Commercial Nuisance Wildlife Control Operator; homeowners may not trap and transport wild animals off their property without a permit. Rabies-vector species (raccoons, foxes, skunks, bats) exhibiting unusual behavior must be reported to Animal Protection Police or the Fairfax County Health Department. Bird feeders are permitted but should be removed April through November in areas with bear activity. Injured wildlife should be reported to licensed rehabilitators; the Wildlife Rescue League serves Fairfax County. Killing protected wildlife requires a DWR kill permit except for rats, mice, and some commensal species.