Wildlife Feeding: Apopka vs Ocoee

Is feeding ducks at a retention pond illegal?

Not technically prohibited by FL 379.412, but feeding bread attracts non-native invasive muscovy ducks and causes 'angel wing' deformity. Apopka HOAs often ban duck feeding at community ponds, and retention ponds frequently have resident alligators that can become food-conditioned.

What if a bear is eating from my bird feeder?

This is 'unintentional attractant' — not a citation, but FWC will issue written warnings if the attractant is not secured within 14 days. Bring bird feeders inside at night and use bear-resistant trash cans (available from Orange County Utilities).

I saw my neighbor throwing chicken at an alligator. What do I do?

Call the FWC Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-3922 immediately. Provide address, description, and photos if safe to obtain. Feeding gators is a criminal offense because it habituates them to humans and almost always leads to the gator being removed and euthanized.

Is it illegal to feed alligators in Ocoee?

Yes. FL §372.667 makes alligator feeding a second-degree misdemeanor punishable by up to 60 days jail and $500 fine. Lake Starke and Lake Apopka are frequent problem areas.

Can I feed ducks at the lake in Ocoee?

Bread feeding is strongly discouraged because it causes 'angel wing' deformity and water quality problems, but is not specifically criminalized. Sandhill crane feeding is prohibited under FWC rules.