Woodbury, MN Animal Ordinances: Wildlife Feeding (2026)

Feeding wildlife in Woodbury is shaped largely by Minnesota Department of Natural Resources rules layered on top of city programs. Washington County is one of the Minnesota counties under a DNR deer feeding and attractant ban, which prohibits the placement or distribution of grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts, hay and other food capable of attracting or enticing deer. The ban is a disease-control measure aimed at preventing deer from congregating, and it applies year-round throughout the county, including in Woodbury. That means residents should not put out food that draws deer, even unintentionally through certain feeders or food piles. Separately, the City of Woodbury maintains a Canada Goose Management Plan to manage the local goose population at parks and ponds, an indication that the city actively discourages conditions that concentrate nuisance waterfowl. While Woodbury's published pages do not spell out a single citywide ordinance banning all wildlife feeding, the combination of the county-wide DNR deer ban and the city's goose-management efforts means feeding deer is effectively prohibited and encouraging large gatherings of geese is discouraged. The Minnesota DNR also broadly advises against feeding wild animals because it can spread disease and create conflicts. Residents with questions about local nuisance-wildlife issues can contact the city, and questions about the deer ban can be directed to the DNR.