Wildlife Feeding: Chino vs Ontario
How do wildlife feeding rules compare between Chino, CA and Ontario, CA?
Chino and Ontario have similar restriction levels.
Chino, CA
San Bernardino County
Chino's WUI boundary touches the Puente-Chino Hills wildlife corridor and Chino Hills State Park, where coyotes, bobcats, mule deer, and mountain lions routinely move through neighborhoods. California 14 CCR §251.3 prohibits intentional feeding of big-game mammals (deer, elk, bear, etc.) statewide. Locally, Chino Title 8 (Health & Safety) addresses food sources that attract wildlife as a public nuisance, and intentional coyote feeding is generally treated as a nuisance/code violation.
View full Chino rules →Ontario, CA
San Bernardino County
Ontario discourages wildlife feeding under its nuisance rules and CA F and G Code 251.1. Intentional feeding of coyotes, raccoons, and similar wildlife can be declared a public nuisance and attractants must be removed.
View full Ontario rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Chino | Ontario |
|---|---|---|
| State big-game feeding ban | 14 CCR §251.3 — intentional feeding of deer, bear, mountain sheep, etc. prohibited | - |
| Local nuisance backstop | Chino Mun. Code Title 8 — attractive nuisance / vector control | - |
| Wildlife corridor | Puente-Chino Hills corridor and Chino Hills State Park border Chino — coyote/bobcat/deer activity routine | - |
| Mountain lions | Specially Protected Mammal — Cal. Fish & Game Code §4800 | - |
| State Law | - | CA F and G Code 251.1 |
| Coyote Feeding | - | Discouraged and often illegal |
| Local Tool | - | Nuisance abatement |
| Bird Feeders | - | Allowed if kept clean |
| Main Concern | - | Pet food and open trash attractants |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Chino FAQ
Is it legal to feed deer in Chino?
No. California 14 CCR §251.3 prohibits intentional feeding of deer and other big-game mammals statewide, with no Chino-specific exception.
Can I feed coyotes that come through my yard?
Strongly discouraged and likely a Chino Title 8 nuisance violation. CDFW warns coyote feeding leads to habituation and aggressive behavior, and Chino code enforcement can abate the food source.
What about backyard bird feeders?
Bird feeders for songbirds are generally allowed, but if they attract rodents, bears, or coyotes — or if neighbors complain of vermin — code enforcement can order them removed under Title 8 vector and nuisance rules.
Ontario FAQ
Can I feed the coyotes I see in my neighborhood?
No. Feeding coyotes is treated as illegal harassment under state law and as a nuisance under city code. It habituates them and increases the risk of attacks on pets and people.
Are bird feeders allowed in Ontario?
Yes if kept clean and not attracting nuisance wildlife like rats, raccoons, or skunks. Remove feeders if they cause complaints.
Compare other topics
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