Wildlife Feeding: Altadena vs South Gate
How do wildlife feeding rules compare between Altadena, CA and South Gate, CA?
Altadena and South Gate have similar restriction levels.
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 →South Gate, CA
Los Angeles County
South Gate does not have a dedicated municipal anti-wildlife-feeding ordinance, but feeding wildlife that creates a public nuisance — attracting rats, raccoons, coyotes, opossums or feral cats — is abatable under Title 4 Animals and Chapter 7.22 Animal Control, and the resulting rodent harborage is a violation of LA County Department of Public Health rules. California Fish & Game Code §2000 and §251.1 prohibit harassment of game mammals (including by harmful feeding), and CDFW formally advises that intentionally feeding deer, bears or coyotes is illegal when it leads to depredation. SEAACA handles wildlife-attractant complaints.
View full South Gate rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Altadena | South Gate |
|---|---|---|
| Policy | Discouraged, may be nuisance | - |
| Coyotes | County actively discourages feeding | - |
| Wildlife Areas | Altadena, Topanga, mountain communities | - |
| State Law | CDFW regulates wildlife interactions | - |
| Local code | - | South Gate MC Ch. 7.22 Animal Control & Ch. 6 Health/Sanitation |
| State law | - | Cal. Fish & Game Code §2000 et seq. (harassment of game mammals) |
| State guidance | - | CDFW 'Keep Me Wild' — do not feed bears, coyotes, deer |
| County overlay | - | LA County Dept. of Public Health — rodent harborage / vector control |
| Trash containers | - | LA Sanitation contract — animal-proof carts required |
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.
South Gate FAQ
Is it illegal to feed pigeons or stray cats in South Gate?
Not categorically, but if your feeding creates a sanitary nuisance — accumulating droppings, attracting rats, or sustaining an unmanaged feral-cat colony — SEAACA and LA County Public Health can order it stopped under South Gate MC Chapter 7.22 and Chapter 6.
Can I keep bird feeders?
Yes, hummingbird and songbird feeders maintained sanitarily are not prohibited. Clean spilled seed daily, keep feeders away from neighbor fences, and remove the feeder if it begins attracting rats — which is a Chapter 7.22 nuisance.
Are coyotes a real concern in South Gate?
Coyotes do range through urban LA County. CDFW guidance — and Cal. Fish & Game Code §2000 — discourage feeding coyotes because habituated coyotes become a public-safety threat. Do not leave pet food outside, and secure trash.
Who do I call about a wildlife-attractant problem?
SEAACA at 562-803-3301 for animal complaints; LA County Department of Public Health for rodent harborage; CDFW for sick or dangerous wildlife.
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