Oregon ORS 496.731 authorizes ODFW officers to order removal of wildlife attractants for bear, cougar, coyote, and wolf. Washington County has no standalone wildlife feeding ordinance, but feeding creating a nuisance is enforceable under Chapter 8.20.
Under ORS 496.731 the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife can issue written notification requiring removal of food, garbage, or other attractants for potentially habituated wildlife (bear, cougar, coyote, wolf) within 2 days. Failure to comply is a Class A violation. Washington County does not have a county-wide ban on feeding deer or birds; western Washington County has significant deer populations and black bear in the Coast Range foothills. Unsecured trash and pet food left outdoors can constitute unintentional feeding. Bird feeders in neighborhoods adjacent to natural areas should be pulled in April through November where bear activity is known. Tualatin SWCD and ODFW recommend Bear-Wise practices. Chronic feeding creating a public nuisance (pest attraction, rodent habitat) is enforceable under Chapter 8.20 as a nuisance.
ORS 496.731 non-compliance: Class A violation, up to $2,000. Nuisance conditions from feeding: abatement notice under Chapter 8.20, civil penalty up to $500 per day.
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