Wildlife Feeding: Fairfield vs Vacaville
How do wildlife feeding rules compare between Fairfield, CA and Vacaville, CA?
Fairfield and Vacaville have similar restriction levels.
Fairfield, CA
Solano County
Fairfield does not have a city-specific wildlife-feeding ban, but California Fish and Game Code and Title 14 regulations make it illegal to feed big game mammals (deer, bears) and harassment of wildlife. Feeding that creates a nuisance may also be cited under Fairfield's Community Preservation chapter.
View full Fairfield rules →Vacaville, CA
Solano County
Vacaville does not have a stand-alone wildlife-feeding chapter, but California Fish & Game Code Section 251.1 prohibits any conduct that herds, harasses, or pursues wildlife, and California Code of Regulations Title 14 Section 251.3 makes it unlawful to feed big-game mammals - including deer, elk, antelope, and bears - throughout California. Local nuisance abatement under VMC Chapter 6.20 backstops feeding that attracts coyotes, raccoons, or other animals onto private property.
View full Vacaville rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Fairfield | Vacaville |
|---|---|---|
| Local wildlife-feeding ban | None city-specific | - |
| State prohibition | 14 CCR Section 251.1 (harassment of wildlife) | - |
| Big-game feeding | Discouraged and may trigger CDFW action | - |
| Nuisance overlay | FMC Chapter 27 | - |
| Enforcement | CDFW and Fairfield Code Compliance | CDFW + Humane Animal Services |
| Big-Game Feeding Ban | - | Cal. Code Regs. Tit. 14 Sec. 251.3 |
| Harassment Statute | - | Cal. Fish & Game Code Sec. 251.1 |
| Max Penalty | - | $1,000 + 6 months jail |
| Local Backstop | - | VMC Ch. 6.20 + Ch. 8.04 |
| Contact | - | CDFW CalTIP 888-334-2258 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Fairfield FAQ
Can I put out a bird feeder?
Yes. Bird feeders for songbirds are not prohibited. Keep the area below the feeder clean to avoid attracting rodents, which can lead to a nuisance citation.
Is feeding deer illegal in Fairfield?
There is no specific city ban, but feeding deer is strongly discouraged and CDFW may treat habitual feeding that creates damage or safety problems as unlawful harassment of wildlife under state regulations.
Vacaville FAQ
Is it illegal to feed deer in Vacaville?
Yes. California Code of Regulations Title 14 Section 251.3 makes it unlawful anywhere in California to intentionally feed deer or other big-game mammals. Penalties run up to $1,000 and six months in county jail under Fish & Game Code Section 12000 et seq.
What about feeding raccoons or coyotes?
Feeding wildlife that habituates animals to humans is treated as harassment under California Fish & Game Code Section 251.1. In Vacaville, it can also be abated as a nuisance under VMC Chapter 6.20 if the feeding attracts animals that damage neighboring property or create sanitation issues.
Can I report wildlife feeding anonymously?
Yes. Use the California Department of Fish & Wildlife's CalTIP hotline at (888) 334-CALTIP or report through their online portal. Local concerns can also go to Humane Animal Services at (707) 449-1700.
Compare other topics
See how Fairfield and Vacaville 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