Wildlife Feeding: Brentwood vs Martinez
How do wildlife feeding rules compare between Brentwood, CA and Martinez, CA?
Brentwood has fewer restrictions than Martinez.
Brentwood, CA
Contra Costa County
Wildlife in Brentwood (deer, coyotes, turkeys, raccoons, hawks, and mountain lions in nearby Los Vaqueros Watershed) is protected under state law and managed by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Feeding wildlife is prohibited, and most species cannot be trapped or relocated without a CDFW depredation permit.
View full Brentwood rules →Martinez, CA
Contra Costa County
Wildlife in Martinez is protected under California Department of Fish and Wildlife regulations — feeding deer, coyotes, raccoons, turkeys, and other wildlife is prohibited and can result in fines. Injured wildlife should be reported to CDFW or Lindsay Wildlife Experience. The John Muir historic buffer and Alhambra Creek corridor host protected species requiring special consideration for landscaping and development.
View full Martinez rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Brentwood | Martinez |
|---|---|---|
| Agency | CDFW | - |
| Feeding wildlife | Prohibited | - |
| Trapping | Requires CDFW permit | - |
| Rehabilitation | Lindsay Wildlife Experience | - |
| Protected birds | Migratory Bird Treaty Act | - |
| - | - |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Brentwood FAQ
Can I trap a raccoon in my yard?
Not without a CDFW permit. It's generally illegal to relocate wildlife in California. You may exclude animals with barriers, or hire a licensed wildlife trapper who will typically euthanize rather than relocate trapped animals, per state law.
What if I see a coyote?
Do not run. Make yourself look large, yell, and throw objects toward (not at) the animal to haze it. Report aggressive coyotes to Brentwood PD and CDFW. Keep pets leashed and small pets indoors at dawn/dusk.
Martinez FAQ
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