Wildlife Feeding: Corona vs Riverside
How do wildlife feeding rules compare between Corona, CA and Riverside, CA?
Corona has fewer restrictions than Riverside.
Corona, CA
Riverside County
Feeding wildlife in Corona — including coyotes, deer, raccoons, and other native species — is discouraged and may be prohibited under state law (California Fish and Game Code) and local nuisance provisions. Intentionally feeding predators creates public safety hazards and can result in citations. Bird feeding is generally allowed if not creating nuisance conditions.
View full Corona rules →Riverside, CA
Riverside County
The City of Riverside relies on California Code of Regulations Title 14, §251.1 ('Harassment of Animals') to prohibit feeding of coyotes and other wildlife. The City's Public Works Department explicitly informs residents that feeding a coyote — accidentally or intentionally — violates state and local laws. Penalties under California Fish and Game Code can reach $1,000.
View full Riverside rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Corona | Riverside |
|---|---|---|
| - | - | |
| Controlling rule | - | Cal. Code Regs. tit. 14 §251.1 — Harassment of Animals |
| Coyote feeding | - | Prohibited (state + city) |
| Maximum state fine | - | $1,000 per violation |
| Maximum jail | - | 6 months (misdemeanor) |
| City enforcement contact | - | 311 or RCDAS (951) 358-7387 |
| Accidental feeding counts? | - | Yes — unsecured pet food, garbage, fallen fruit |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Corona FAQ
Riverside FAQ
Can I be fined for feeding squirrels or birds in Riverside?
Feeding songbirds at a properly maintained backyard feeder is generally tolerated, but feeding ground squirrels, tree squirrels, or other wildlife that begin to act habituated has been prosecuted under Cal. Code Regs. tit. 14 §251.1 with fines up to $1,000. The trigger is whether your feeding disrupts the animal's natural foraging — feeders that draw wildlife close to homes are more likely to be cited.
Is leaving cat food outside illegal in Riverside?
If the food is accessed by coyotes, raccoons, opossums, or skunks — which is nearly always the case overnight — Riverside Public Works treats it as accidental wildlife feeding in violation of state law and the City's nuisance code. Outdoor feeding stations for pets should be brought inside at night, and unsecured pet food bags can also be cited as a vector-attracting nuisance.
What about deer in the Santa Ana River corridor or hillsides?
Deer are 'game mammals' under California Fish and Game Code, and feeding them is squarely within Cal. Code Regs. tit. 14 §251.1. CDFW wardens enforce statewide; the City's Public Works Department refers feeding complaints in the river corridor and Sycamore Canyon area to CDFW and RCDAS.
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