Wildlife Feeding: Carson vs Downey
How do wildlife feeding rules compare between Carson, CA and Downey, CA?
Downey has fewer restrictions than Carson.
Carson, CA
Los Angeles County
Carson does not have a standalone wildlife-feeding ordinance, but LA County Code §10.84.010 (administered by LA County Animal Care & Control through Carson's contract relationship) prohibits feeding non-domesticated mammalian predators (coyotes, foxes, raccoons, opossums, skunks, bears). California Fish & Game Code §251.3 also makes it unlawful to harass game mammals through feeding. Carson's adjacency to wetlands and the LA River corridor makes coyote and raccoon habituation a real concern.
View full Carson rules →Downey, CA
Los Angeles County
Downey classifies conditions attracting vermin or creating unsanitary conditions as public nuisances. Feeding wildlife that creates such conditions may be subject to nuisance abatement.
View full Downey rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Carson | Downey |
|---|---|---|
| Wildlife feeding banned? | Yes — LA County Code §10.84.010 (applies in Carson via contract) | - |
| Species covered | Coyotes, foxes, raccoons, opossums, skunks, bears (non-domesticated mammalian predators) | - |
| Big-game ban | Cal. F&G Code §251.3 (deer, bear, elk statewide) | - |
| Indirect feeding | Accessible pet food, fallen fruit, unsecured garbage also prohibited | - |
| Bird feeders allowed? | Generally yes, but must not become a predator attractant | - |
| Enforcement | LA County Animal Care & Control + Carson Code Enforcement + CDFW | Code Enforcement |
| Nuisance | - | Attracting vermin prohibited |
| Sanitation | - | Must maintain clean conditions |
| State Law | - | CDFW wildlife regulations apply |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Carson FAQ
Can I feed feral cats in Carson?
Domestic cats are not covered by the LA County §10.84.010 mammalian-predator prohibition. However, organized feral cat colonies should be managed under a TNR (trap-neuter-return) program coordinated with LA County DACC, and food stations should not become predator attractants.
Can I have a bird feeder?
Yes, bird feeders are allowed. But if a feeder is drawing coyotes, raccoons, or skunks (by spilled seed or peanuts), Animal Care & Control can require you to remove it under the §10.84.010 indirect-feeding provision.
What if a coyote is hanging around my yard?
Report to LA County Animal Care & Control. Remove all food sources, secure trash in heavy lidded cans, bring pets in at night, and do not feed. CDFW's coyote-hazing guidance encourages aversive conditioning.
Downey FAQ
Can I feed birds in my yard?
Generally yes, but Downey may restrict bird feeders in areas with bear or other wildlife activity. Check local rules.
Is it illegal to feed stray cats?
Feral cat colony management rules vary in Downey. Casual feeding may violate wildlife feeding ordinances.
Compare other topics
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