Wildlife Feeding: El Cajon vs Vista
How do wildlife feeding rules compare between El Cajon, CA and Vista, CA?
El Cajon and Vista have similar restriction levels.
El Cajon, CA
San Diego County
El Cajon addresses wildlife feeding through its nuisance provisions and San Diego County regulations. Feeding wildlife such as coyotes is prohibited under California Fish and Game Code Section 251.1. The city's Code Compliance division enforces property conditions that attract nuisance wildlife.
View full El Cajon rules →Vista, CA
San Diego County
Vista addresses wildlife feeding through nuisance provisions. Intentionally feeding coyotes, raccoons, and other urban wildlife that creates a public nuisance or safety hazard is subject to enforcement action.
View full Vista rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | El Cajon | Vista |
|---|---|---|
| State Law | CA Fish & Game Code §251.1 | - |
| City Code | ECMC Title 1 Ch. 1.36 — nuisance | - |
| Coyotes | Do not feed — attracts to neighborhoods | - |
| Enforcement | Code Compliance — 619-441-1726 | - |
| Vector Control | SD County — 858-694-2888 | - |
| Coyote Feeding | - | Prohibited |
| Food Attractants | - | Must secure trash, pet food |
| Bird Feeding | - | Generally allowed |
| CDFW Contact | - | (858) 467-4201 |
| Code Enforcement | - | (760) 639-6141 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
El Cajon FAQ
Is it illegal to feed coyotes in El Cajon?
Yes. California Fish and Game Code Section 251.1 prohibits feeding big game mammals. Feeding coyotes also creates public safety hazards and may violate the city's nuisance ordinance.
Can I be fined for leaving pet food outside in El Cajon?
If outdoor pet food attracts nuisance wildlife or rodents, Code Compliance can cite the property under the city's nuisance abatement provisions in ECMC Title 1 Chapter 1.36.
Who handles wildlife complaints in El Cajon?
San Diego County Department of Animal Services handles wildlife complaints at 619-767-2675. For rodent and vector issues, contact San Diego County Vector Control at 858-694-2888.
Vista FAQ
Is it illegal to feed coyotes in Vista?
Yes. Feeding coyotes is prohibited and may result in citations. Residents must also secure trash and remove outdoor pet food that attracts wildlife.
Can I feed birds in my Vista yard?
Bird feeding is generally permitted but may be restricted if it creates rodent infestations or attracts pest species that constitute a nuisance.
Who handles wildlife complaints in Vista?
Contact California Department of Fish and Wildlife at (858) 467-4201 for wildlife issues or Vista Code Enforcement at (760) 639-6141 for nuisance complaints.
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