Wildlife Feeding: Des Plaines vs Tinley Park
How do wildlife feeding rules compare between Des Plaines, IL and Tinley Park, IL?
Des Plaines and Tinley Park have similar restriction levels.
Des Plaines, IL
Cook County
Des Plaines prohibits feeding deer, coyotes, raccoons, and other wild animals that creates a nuisance or attracts dangerous wildlife. Bird feeding is generally allowed but must not attract rodents or larger wildlife to neighboring properties.
View full Des Plaines rules →Tinley Park, IL
Cook County
Tinley Park prohibits feeding wild animals such as deer, raccoons, coyotes, geese, and feral cats in a manner that attracts nuisance wildlife. Bird feeders are generally allowed if maintained. Feeding waterfowl in public parks is specifically restricted.
View full Tinley Park rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Des Plaines | Tinley Park |
|---|---|---|
| Deer/Coyote Feeding | Prohibited | Prohibited |
| Bird Feeding | Allowed if maintained | - |
| Stray Cat Feeding | Regulated | - |
| State Law | IDNR also regulates | - |
| Contact | Animal Control (847) 391-5400 | Community Dev (708) 444-5100 |
| Waterfowl in Parks | - | Restricted |
| Bird Feeders | - | Allowed, maintained |
| Feral Cat Feeding | - | Regulated |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Des Plaines FAQ
Is it illegal to feed deer in Des Plaines?
Yes. Feeding deer creates a nuisance, attracts coyotes, and is restricted under both city ordinance and Illinois Department of Natural Resources rules in many areas.
Can I have a bird feeder in Des Plaines?
Yes, bird feeding is generally permitted. Maintain feeders to avoid spilled seed that attracts mice, rats, raccoons, or larger wildlife.
What if a coyote is in my yard in Des Plaines?
Coyotes are common in Cook County. Make loud noises to scare them off (haze them), remove food sources, and supervise small pets. Contact Animal Control if a coyote shows aggressive behavior.
Tinley Park FAQ
Can I feed the ducks at a Tinley Park pond?
Feeding waterfowl in public parks and ponds is generally restricted. Bread and human food harm ducks and geese and cause overpopulation. Use designated areas only if posted.
Is it legal to have a bird feeder in Tinley Park?
Yes. Songbird feeders are allowed but must be maintained to avoid attracting rats, squirrels, or other nuisance wildlife. Remove spilled seed regularly.
What about feeding feral cats?
Feeding feral cats is regulated under animal control rules. TNR (trap-neuter-return) programs may be allowed with proper coordination. Unmanaged feeding that attracts nuisance conditions can be cited.
Compare other topics
See how Des Plaines and Tinley Park 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