Wildlife Feeding: Gaithersburg vs Takoma Park

Montgomery County discourages and can enforce against feeding deer and other wildlife that creates a nuisance, public health risk, or property damage in Gaithersburg neighborhoods. The county operates one of the largest suburban deer management programs in the Mid-Atlantic region, conducting managed archery hunts in multiple Gaithersburg parks and green spaces each winter to control the overabundant white-tailed deer population. Residents must secure trash containers with tight-fitting lids to prevent attracting raccoons, foxes, opossums, and the occasional black bear that wanders into western Montgomery County from the Appalachian corridor. Bird feeders are generally permitted but should be designed to minimize attraction of rodents and other non-target wildlife. Feeding feral cats outside of organized trap-neuter-return (TNR) programs managed by licensed rescue organizations can create code enforcement issues related to sanitation, odor, and animal congregation. Maryland DNR Wildlife and Heritage Service handles complaints about wildlife damage and can issue nuisance wildlife removal permits to qualified operators.

Montgomery County prohibits intentionally feeding deer, which are overpopulated in the Sligo Creek watershed. Takoma Park participates in county deer management programs to protect native ecosystems.