Wildlife Feeding: Altadena vs Carson
How do wildlife feeding rules compare between Altadena, CA and Carson, CA?
Altadena has fewer restrictions than Carson.
Altadena, CA
Los Angeles County
Feeding wildlife in unincorporated LA County is discouraged and may violate nuisance provisions. CDFW regulations prohibit feeding certain species. The county's large unincorporated areas include wildlife corridors where feeding attracts coyotes, bears, and mountain lions near communities like Altadena and Topanga.
View full Altadena rules →Carson, CA
Los Angeles County
Carson does not have a standalone wildlife-feeding ordinance, but LA County Code §10.84.010 (administered by LA County Animal Care & Control through Carson's contract relationship) prohibits feeding non-domesticated mammalian predators (coyotes, foxes, raccoons, opossums, skunks, bears). California Fish & Game Code §251.3 also makes it unlawful to harass game mammals through feeding. Carson's adjacency to wetlands and the LA River corridor makes coyote and raccoon habituation a real concern.
View full Carson rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Altadena | Carson |
|---|---|---|
| Policy | Discouraged, may be nuisance | - |
| Coyotes | County actively discourages feeding | - |
| Wildlife Areas | Altadena, Topanga, mountain communities | - |
| State Law | CDFW regulates wildlife interactions | - |
| Wildlife feeding banned? | - | Yes — LA County Code §10.84.010 (applies in Carson via contract) |
| Species covered | - | Coyotes, foxes, raccoons, opossums, skunks, bears (non-domesticated mammalian predators) |
| Big-game ban | - | Cal. F&G Code §251.3 (deer, bear, elk statewide) |
| Indirect feeding | - | Accessible pet food, fallen fruit, unsecured garbage also prohibited |
| Bird feeders allowed? | - | Generally yes, but must not become a predator attractant |
| Enforcement | - | LA County Animal Care & Control + Carson Code Enforcement + CDFW |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Altadena FAQ
Is it illegal to feed wildlife in LA County?
Feeding coyotes is specifically prohibited by county ordinance. Feeding other wildlife is discouraged and may trigger nuisance complaints. Feeding protected species can violate state Fish & Wildlife regulations.
Can I feed feral cats in unincorporated LA County?
While not specifically banned, feeding feral cats can create nuisance conditions (attracting rodents, coyotes) that violate county nuisance ordinances. Many communities have trap-neuter-return programs as an alternative.
Who do I contact about nuisance wildlife?
Contact the LA County Agricultural Commissioner at (626) 575-5471 for wildlife issues. For coyote sightings, contact LA County Animal Care & Control at (562) 728-4610.
Carson FAQ
Can I feed feral cats in Carson?
Domestic cats are not covered by the LA County §10.84.010 mammalian-predator prohibition. However, organized feral cat colonies should be managed under a TNR (trap-neuter-return) program coordinated with LA County DACC, and food stations should not become predator attractants.
Can I have a bird feeder?
Yes, bird feeders are allowed. But if a feeder is drawing coyotes, raccoons, or skunks (by spilled seed or peanuts), Animal Care & Control can require you to remove it under the §10.84.010 indirect-feeding provision.
What if a coyote is hanging around my yard?
Report to LA County Animal Care & Control. Remove all food sources, secure trash in heavy lidded cans, bring pets in at night, and do not feed. CDFW's coyote-hazing guidance encourages aversive conditioning.
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