Wildlife Feeding: Bloomington vs Minneapolis
How do wildlife feeding rules compare between Bloomington, MN and Minneapolis, MN?
Bloomington and Minneapolis have similar restriction levels.
Bloomington, MN
Hennepin County
Hennepin County prohibits feeding deer and bears under Minnesota DNR rules and city ordinances. Several cities, including Minnetonka and Bloomington, restrict feeding of waterfowl and wildlife near lakes to reduce nuisance and disease risks.
View full Bloomington rules →Minneapolis, MN
Hennepin County
Minneapolis prohibits feeding deer, turkeys, and waterfowl under Code Chapter 70 and MN Statutes 97A.445, and bans feeding that attracts rodents. Bird feeders are allowed if kept clean and pest-free.
View full Minneapolis rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Bloomington | Minneapolis |
|---|---|---|
| State authority | Minn. Stat. 97A | - |
| Deer feeding | Prohibited metro-wide | - |
| City bans | Many include waterfowl | - |
| Park rule | No feeding in parks | - |
| Deer and waterfowl | - | Intentional feeding of deer, turkeys, geese, ducks prohibited |
| State law | - | MN Statutes 97A.445 authorizes feeding bans |
| Bird feeders | - | Allowed if clean and not attracting rodents |
| Feral cats | - | Outdoor feeding discouraged; use licensed TNR program |
| Rodent trigger | - | Feeding that causes rat harborage violates Chapter 244 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Bloomington FAQ
Can I feed deer in my Hennepin County yard?
No. Hennepin County is part of the Minnesota DNR deer feeding ban zone, and intentional feeding can result in misdemeanor charges and DNR enforcement action.
Is feeding ducks at Lake Minnetonka allowed?
Several lakeshore cities and park districts prohibit it. Feeding waterfowl concentrates birds, raises avian flu and water-quality risks, and can result in city citations.
Minneapolis FAQ
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