Wildlife Feeding: El Monte vs Lancaster
How do wildlife feeding rules compare between El Monte, CA and Lancaster, CA?
El Monte and Lancaster have similar restriction levels.
El Monte, CA
Los Angeles County
El Monte explicitly discourages feeding wildlife or strays, and LA County Code Chapter 10.84 (applied in El Monte by contract) prohibits providing food to certain rodents and predator animals. California Fish & Game law adds restrictions on trapping or relocating wildlife without a state permit.
View full El Monte rules →Lancaster, CA
Los Angeles County
Lancaster restricts or prohibits intentional feeding of wildlife including deer, coyotes, and bears. Feeding wildlife creates public safety hazards and nuisance conditions.
View full Lancaster rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | El Monte | Lancaster |
|---|---|---|
| Feeding coyotes/raccoons | Prohibited — LACC §10.84.010 | - |
| Pet food outdoors | Must not be accessible to wildlife | - |
| Trapping/relocation | Requires CDFW permit | - |
| City guidance | Secure trash, remove fallen fruit, put pet food away | - |
| Enforcement | LA County DACC + El Monte Animal Control | - |
| Prohibited | - | Deer, coyotes, bears |
| Bird Feeders | - | May be restricted |
| Pet Food | - | Must not be left outside |
| Fines | - | $50 to $500 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
El Monte FAQ
Can I leave food out for stray cats?
El Monte Animal Control discourages it because it attracts coyotes and other wildlife. Under LA County Code §10.84, leaving food in a way that attracts predator animals is a violation. Use timed feeders inside an enclosure if you participate in a TNR colony program.
There's a coyote in my yard — can I trap it?
No. El Monte's Animal Control page warns that trapping and relocating wildlife without a CDFW permit violates state law. Call LA County DACC for a nuisance response.
What about bird feeders?
Bird feeders for songbirds are generally not the target of §10.84, but if your feeder is attracting rats, raccoons or coyotes you can be cited. El Monte recommends keeping vegetation trimmed and removing fallen seed.
Lancaster FAQ
Can I feed birds in my yard?
Generally yes, but Lancaster may restrict bird feeders in areas with bear or other wildlife activity. Check local rules.
Is it illegal to feed stray cats?
Feral cat colony management rules vary in Lancaster. Casual feeding may violate wildlife feeding ordinances.
Compare other topics
See how El Monte and Lancaster compare on other ordinance categories.
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