Wildlife Feeding: Brentwood vs Walnut Creek
How do wildlife feeding rules compare between Brentwood, CA and Walnut Creek, CA?
Walnut Creek has fewer restrictions than Brentwood.
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 →Walnut Creek, CA
Contra Costa County
Walnut Creek residents regularly encounter deer, wild turkeys, coyotes, raccoons, skunks, and the occasional mountain lion due to the city's proximity to Mount Diablo State Park and extensive open space; feeding wildlife is prohibited and problem animals are handled by California Department of Fish & Wildlife, not the city.
View full Walnut Creek rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Brentwood | Walnut Creek |
|---|---|---|
| Agency | CDFW | - |
| Feeding wildlife | Prohibited | Prohibited by city code |
| Trapping | Requires CDFW permit | - |
| Rehabilitation | Lindsay Wildlife Experience | - |
| Protected birds | Migratory Bird Treaty Act | - |
| Deer depredation | - | CDFW permit required |
| Mountain lions | - | Protected under Prop 117 |
| Rehabilitation center | - | Lindsay Wildlife Experience |
| Common wildlife | - | Deer, turkeys, coyotes, raccoons |
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.
Walnut Creek FAQ
Can I feed the deer in my Walnut Creek backyard?
No. Intentional feeding of deer and other wildlife is prohibited and can draw administrative fines. Feeding habituates animals to human areas and increases conflict with neighbors and pets.
What do I do about a coyote in my neighborhood?
Use hazing techniques (loud noises, eye contact, throwing objects) to reinforce fear of humans. Secure trash and pet food, and keep small pets indoors at dawn/dusk. Call CDFW if a coyote shows aggressive behavior toward people.
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