Wildlife Feeding: Hesperia vs Rialto
How do wildlife feeding rules compare between Hesperia, CA and Rialto, CA?
Hesperia has fewer restrictions than Rialto.
Hesperia, CA
San Bernardino County
Hesperia Municipal Code does not contain a stand-alone ordinance prohibiting the feeding of wildlife. The City's Wild Animals page warns residents about Mojave rattlesnakes, mountain lions, Africanized bees and mosquitoes and directs nuisance-wildlife complaints to Animal Control (760) 947-1700, but it does not impose a feeding ban. State law fills the gap: California Fish & Game Code §4150 makes it unlawful to harass non-game mammals (which includes feeding that habituates them), and 14 CCR §251.1 prohibits harassing wildlife in a manner that disrupts their normal behavior. Feeding bears, mountain lions and coyotes is specifically discouraged by CDFW because it creates public-safety hazards subject to depredation permits or destruction under §4181.
View full Hesperia rules →Rialto, CA
San Bernardino County
Rialto has no standalone municipal ordinance banning wildlife feeding, but feeding deer, coyotes, raccoons and other wild mammals is regulated statewide under California Fish & Game Code § 251.1 (harassment) and 14 CCR § 251.3, which prohibits intentionally feeding big game mammals. Attracting wildlife that becomes a public nuisance is independently abatable under Rialto Municipal Code Title 6 / Title 8 (Health & Sanitation).
View full Rialto rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Hesperia | Rialto |
|---|---|---|
| Local feeding ban | None in Hesperia Municipal Code | - |
| State authority | Cal. Fish & Game Code §4150; 14 CCR §251.1 | - |
| High-desert hazards | Mojave rattlesnake, mountain lion, coyote, Africanized bees | - |
| Animal Control contact | (760) 947-1700 | - |
| Depredation authority | Fish & Game Code §4181 (CDFW) | - |
| Nuisance attractants on private property | Hesperia Title 8 property-maintenance | - |
| State rule | - | 14 CCR § 251.3 (no feeding big-game mammals) |
| Harassment | - | Cal. F&G Code § 251.1 |
| Local hook | - | RMC Title 6 / Title 8 nuisance abatement |
| Report | - | CDFW 1-888-334-CALTIP |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Hesperia FAQ
Is it illegal to feed coyotes in Hesperia?
There is no specific Hesperia ordinance, but feeding that habituates non-game mammals can be charged under Cal. Fish & Game Code §4150 / 14 CCR §251.1 and creates a public-safety hazard.
Can I have a bird feeder?
Yes — songbird feeders are not regulated. Avoid attractants that draw bears, coyotes or rats; messy seed accumulations can become a property-nuisance issue under Title 8.
What about feeding feral cats?
Hesperia's animal-control rules do not ban feeding feral cats, but maintaining a colony may trigger licensing/spay-neuter obligations in Title 6 (e.g., §6.04.010 licensing).
What if a mountain lion or bear is in my neighborhood?
Call Hesperia Animal Control (760) 947-1700 or CDFW. Do not feed it — that can lead to a §4181 depredation order against the animal.
Rialto FAQ
Can I feed the coyotes / raccoons in my Rialto yard?
No. Intentionally feeding big-game mammals violates 14 CCR § 251.3, and feeding coyotes/raccoons food-conditions them into a public-safety hazard that Rialto can abate as a nuisance under Title 6 / Title 8.
Are bird feeders allowed?
Yes, bird feeders are not prohibited, but if your feeder attracts rats, pigeons or larger wildlife it can be cited as a nuisance under Rialto's health and sanitation rules. Use squirrel/rodent-proof feeders and clean spillage daily.
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