Wildlife Feeding: Los Angeles vs New York
How do wildlife feeding rules compare between Los Angeles, CA and New York, NY?
Los Angeles and New York have similar restriction levels.
Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles County
LAMC 53.06.5 prohibits feeding non-domesticated mammalian predators including coyotes, bears, and mountain lions. Feeding creates public safety hazards by habituating wildlife to humans. Violations may result in fines. LA Animal Services and CA Department of Fish and Wildlife handle wildlife complaints.
View full Los Angeles rules →New York, NY
New York County
NYC Health Code §161.09(d) prohibits feeding pigeons, and NYC Parks Rules §1-04(q) prohibit feeding wildlife in parks (except squirrels and birds at designated areas). Admin Code §17-195 specifically bans pigeon feeding citywide with fines up to $1,000.
View full New York rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Los Angeles | New York |
|---|---|---|
| Prohibited | Feeding coyotes, bears, mountain lions | - |
| Code Section | LAMC 53.06.5 | - |
| Purpose | Prevent habituation to humans | - |
| Enforcement | LA Animal Services, CDFW | - |
| Pigeon Feeding | - | Banned citywide (§17-195) |
| Parks Wildlife | - | Feeding prohibited (§1-04(q)) |
| Pigeon Fine | - | Up to $1,000 |
| Parks Fine | - | $50 |
| Feral Cats | - | Managed TNR colonies permitted |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Los Angeles FAQ
Can I feed birds in my yard?
Generally yes, but Los Angeles may restrict bird feeders in areas with bear or other wildlife activity. Check local rules.
Is it illegal to feed stray cats?
Feral cat colony management rules vary in Los Angeles. Casual feeding may violate wildlife feeding ordinances.
New York FAQ
Is it illegal to feed pigeons in NYC?
Yes. Admin Code §17-195 (Local Law 46 of 2007) prohibits feeding pigeons on any public or private property in NYC. Fines can reach $1,000. This applies citywide, not just in parks.
Can I feed birds in NYC parks?
Generally no. Parks Rules §1-04(q) prohibit feeding wildlife in parks. Some parks have designated bird feeding areas for songbirds, but feeding pigeons, geese, or other wildlife is prohibited.
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