Wildlife Feeding: Brentwood vs Richmond
How do wildlife feeding rules compare between Brentwood, CA and Richmond, CA?
Brentwood and Richmond have similar restriction levels.
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 →Richmond, CA
Contra Costa County
Wildlife in Richmond is protected under California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) regulations. Feeding wildlife (raccoons, skunks, deer, coyotes) is prohibited and can draw animals into conflict. Injured or nuisance wildlife is handled by Contra Costa County Animal Services or licensed wildlife rehabilitators; trapping requires a CDFW permit.
View full Richmond rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Brentwood | Richmond |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Richmond FAQ
I have raccoons in my attic. Can I trap and release them?
Under CA law, captured raccoons cannot be relocated and must be released on-site or humanely euthanized. Hire a licensed Wildlife Control Operator.
Is it illegal to feed the deer in my yard?
Yes. Feeding wildlife is prohibited under nuisance rules and under CDFW regulations because it causes dependency and creates safety risks.
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