Wichita, KS Animal Ordinances: Wildlife Feeding (2026)

Under Kansas Statute 32-1049, the intentional placement of food, salt, mineral, or other attractants for the purpose of feeding deer, elk, antelope, or other big game is prohibited statewide, with exceptions for bona fide agricultural operations and wildlife management activities authorized by Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks. Violators face fines and possible loss of hunting privileges. Within Wichita city limits, residents are discouraged from intentionally feeding wild mammals including raccoons, opossums, skunks, coyotes, and foxes because such feeding habituates animals to human presence, increases the risk of rabies and distemper transmission, and creates property damage and public safety nuisance complaints. Wichita Municipal Code allows code enforcement to require removal of food sources that attract nuisance wildlife. Bird feeders are generally permitted on residential property but should be cleaned regularly, kept off the ground to deter rodents, and removed temporarily if they attract bears (rare in Wichita) or raccoons. Feeding feral cat colonies is allowed but managed colonies should follow trap-neuter-return (TNR) protocols coordinated with the Kansas Humane Society. Leaving pet food outside overnight is a common violation that attracts wildlife and should be avoided.