Wildlife Feeding: Chino vs San Bernardino
How do wildlife feeding rules compare between Chino, CA and San Bernardino, CA?
Chino and San Bernardino 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 →San Bernardino, CA
San Bernardino County
Feeding wildlife in San Bernardino is discouraged and often prohibited under nuisance and public-health rules. Coyotes, bears, and mountain lions from the San Bernardino foothills can be drawn into neighborhoods.
View full San Bernardino rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Chino | San Bernardino |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - |
| Code | - | SBMC 8.30 nuisance |
| State Reference | - | CDFW policy discourages feeding |
| Common Issues | - | Coyotes, bears, raccoons |
| Best Practice | - | No pet food outside overnight |
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.
San Bernardino FAQ
Can I feed deer in my yard?
Feeding deer is strongly discouraged and can be cited as a nuisance because it draws mountain lions and coyotes into neighborhoods.
Are bird feeders allowed?
Generally yes, but poorly maintained feeders can draw rats and raccoons and then be treated as a nuisance.
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