Wildlife Feeding: Lakewood vs Tacoma
How do wildlife feeding rules compare between Lakewood, WA and Tacoma, WA?
Lakewood has fewer restrictions than Tacoma.
Lakewood, WA
Pierce County
Pierce County Code has no ordinance specifically prohibiting the feeding of wildlife in the unincorporated county. Feeding that attracts pests or creates a health or safety problem can still be addressed as a public nuisance, and Washington state wildlife rules discourage feeding deer and other game.
View full Lakewood rules →Tacoma, WA
Pierce County
Tacoma prohibits feeding deer, raccoons, coyotes, and other wild mammals because intentional feeding creates dangerous habituation, attracts pests, and increases conflicts in dense neighborhoods near Point Defiance and other green spaces.
View full Tacoma rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Lakewood | Tacoma |
|---|---|---|
| County feeding ban | None in code | - |
| Nuisance limit | PCC Chapter 8.08 | - |
| Triggers | Vermin, odor, health risk | - |
| State guidance | WDFW discourages feeding | - |
| Best practice | Secure food & garbage | - |
| Mammal feeding | - | Prohibited as nuisance |
| Bird feeders | - | Allowed if maintained |
| Trash | - | Must be secured |
| Partner | - | WA Fish and Wildlife |
| Enforcement | - | Education then fines |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Lakewood FAQ
Is it illegal to feed wildlife in Pierce County?
There is no county ordinance banning wildlife feeding in the unincorporated county. However, feeding that attracts vermin or creates a health hazard can be abated as a public nuisance under PCC Chapter 8.08.
Can feeding deer or raccoons get me in trouble?
Only if it becomes a nuisance. Pierce County has no specific feeding ban, but the state (WDFW) discourages feeding game animals, and pest-attracting feeding can be cited under PCC 8.08.
Tacoma FAQ
Can I leave food out for stray cats in Tacoma?
Limited managed feeding for community cat colonies is allowed, but uncovered scraps that draw raccoons or rats become a nuisance and may violate Tacoma wildlife and property maintenance rules.
What if a coyote keeps coming through my yard?
Remove food sources, secure pets, and report repeat sightings to Tacoma Animal Control or Washington Fish and Wildlife. Feeding the coyote will worsen behavior and may lead to citations.
Compare other topics
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