Wildlife Feeding: Huntington Beach vs Mission Viejo
How do wildlife feeding rules compare between Huntington Beach, CA and Mission Viejo, CA?
Huntington Beach and Mission Viejo have similar restriction levels.
Huntington Beach, CA
Orange County
Feeding coyotes is prohibited under California Fish and Game Code Section 251.1. Huntington Beach enforces nuisance provisions for wildlife feeding that attracts pests or creates health hazards. The city manages urban wildlife through its Animal Control program.
View full Huntington Beach rules →Mission Viejo, CA
Orange County
Orange County's Title 4 animal ordinances do not set a general countywide ban on feeding wildlife, so the controlling rules come from California state law. Title 14 CCR 251.3 prohibits knowingly feeding big game mammals (deer, elk, antelope, bear, bighorn sheep), and 14 CCR 251.1 bars harassment that disrupts wildlife. Feeding that attracts predators can also create a public-nuisance problem.
View full Mission Viejo rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Huntington Beach | Mission Viejo |
|---|---|---|
| Coyote Feeding | Prohibited (state law) | - |
| Fine (Coyotes) | Up to $1,000 | - |
| State Law | Fish & Game Code §251.1 | - |
| Nuisance Feeding | Enforceable under HBMC 17.10 | - |
| Reporting | Animal Control (714) 960-8860 | - |
| County-Specific Ban | - | No general Title 4 wildlife-feeding ordinance |
| Big Game Feeding | - | Prohibited — 14 CCR 251.3 |
| Big Game Defined | - | Deer, elk, antelope, bear, bighorn (14 CCR 350) |
| Harassment Rule | - | 14 CCR 251.1 (disrupting wildlife) |
| Enforced By | - | CA Dept. of Fish and Wildlife |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Huntington Beach FAQ
Is it illegal to feed coyotes in Huntington Beach?
Yes. Feeding coyotes is a misdemeanor under California Fish and Game Code Section 251.1, punishable by fines up to $1,000.
Can I feed birds at the beach?
Feeding wildlife that creates a nuisance condition is enforceable. Beach regulations under HBMC may also restrict feeding in certain areas.
Mission Viejo FAQ
Is it illegal to feed deer or coyotes in unincorporated Orange County?
Feeding deer is prohibited statewide — California Title 14 CCR 251.3 bans knowingly feeding big game mammals (deer, elk, antelope, bear, bighorn sheep). Feeding coyotes is not named in that rule but can trigger harassment provisions (14 CCR 251.1) and local nuisance enforcement, and is strongly discouraged for safety.
Does Orange County ban feeding wild animals?
The County's Title 4 animal ordinances do not impose a single countywide wildlife-feeding ban. The main legal limits come from California Fish and Wildlife regulations (14 CCR 251.3 and 251.1). Check for any community-specific or HOA rules, and avoid feeding that draws predators or vermin onto neighbors' property.
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