Wildlife Feeding: Concord vs Walnut Creek
How do wildlife feeding rules compare between Concord, CA and Walnut Creek, CA?
Walnut Creek has fewer restrictions than Concord.
Concord, CA
Contra Costa County
Wildlife in Concord is protected under California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) regulations. Feeding of wildlife such as deer, raccoons, coyotes, and wild turkeys is discouraged and may be prohibited where it creates public safety nuisances. Injured or sick wildlife should be reported to CDFW or Lindsay Wildlife Experience in nearby Walnut Creek.
View full Concord 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 | Concord | Walnut Creek |
|---|---|---|
| State Authority | CA Dept. of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) | - |
| Restricted Species | 14 CCR §671 | - |
| Take Prohibition | CA Fish & Game Code §2000 | - |
| Rehabilitation | Lindsay Wildlife Experience (Walnut Creek) | - |
| Local Enforcement | Police/Code Enforcement for nuisances | - |
| Feeding wildlife | - | Prohibited by city code |
| 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.
Concord FAQ
Is it illegal to feed deer in Concord?
Feeding deer and other wildlife is strongly discouraged and can be cited as a public nuisance when it attracts animals, causes property damage, or creates safety risks.
What do I do about a coyote in my yard?
Make loud noises, throw objects to scare it, and remove attractants like pet food and fallen fruit. Persistent aggressive coyotes can be reported to CDFW.
Where do I take an injured wild animal?
Call or visit Lindsay Wildlife Experience in Walnut Creek, the region's licensed wildlife rehabilitation center. Do not attempt to care for wildlife yourself.
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.
Compare other topics
See how Concord and Walnut Creek compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool