Wildlife Feeding: Fairfax vs Herndon
How do wildlife feeding rules compare between Fairfax, VA and Herndon, VA?
Fairfax and Herndon have similar restriction levels.
Fairfax, VA
Fairfax County
Wildlife in the City of Fairfax is managed by the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources under state law. Feeding deer is prohibited under 4VAC15-40-285, and trapping or relocating nuisance wildlife generally requires a state permit or a licensed commercial wildlife control operator.
View full Fairfax rules →Herndon, VA
Fairfax County
Herndon prohibits feeding deer and other wildlife and restricts homeowners from trapping or relocating animals without proper permits. Nuisance wildlife must be handled through licensed Virginia wildlife control operators or Virginia DWR.
View full Herndon rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Fairfax | Herndon |
|---|---|---|
| Deer feeding | Prohibited Sep 1 to early Jan | Prohibited |
| Discharge of firearms | Prohibited in city | - |
| Wildlife trapping | State permit required | - |
| Authority | Virginia DWR | - |
| Bat exposure | Report immediately | - |
| Trapping permits | - | Required from Virginia DWR |
| Licensed operators | - | CNAO required for removal services |
| Rabies vectors | - | Cannot be relocated |
| Migratory birds | - | Federally protected |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Fairfax FAQ
Can I trap a raccoon in my attic myself?
Usually no without a state permit. Most homeowners hire a licensed wildlife control operator.
Is deer feeding ever allowed?
It is banned during most of the year citywide due to chronic wasting disease precaution areas.
Can I shoot a groundhog?
No. Firearm discharge is prohibited in the city regardless of species.
Herndon FAQ
Can I trap a raccoon in my attic?
Only with a DWR permit or by hiring a licensed CNAO operator. Rabies vector species cannot be relocated.
What do I do about coyotes?
Haze loudly and secure food sources. Coyotes are part of the Northern Virginia landscape and are not generally removed.
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