Wildlife Feeding: Lowell vs Somerville
How do wildlife feeding rules compare between Lowell, MA and Somerville, MA?
Lowell and Somerville have similar restriction levels.
Lowell, MA
Middlesex County
Intentional feeding of deer, bears, coyotes, and waterfowl is discouraged in Lowell; feeding that creates a public health nuisance can be cited by the Board of Health.
View full Lowell rules →Somerville, MA
Middlesex County
Somerville prohibits feeding of wildlife that creates nuisance or public health risks, and MassWildlife restricts feeding of deer, bears, and turkeys statewide.
View full Somerville rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Lowell | Somerville |
|---|---|---|
| Bear feeding | Prohibited by MassWildlife | - |
| Coyotes | Feeding creates nuisance liability | - |
| Bird feeders | Allowed if maintained | Allowed if no rodent issue |
| Waterfowl | Discouraged; water-quality concern | - |
| Fine range | 50 to 300 dollars | - |
| Nuisance authority | - | Board of Health |
| State rules | - | 321 CMR 2.02 (deer/bears) |
| Pigeon feeding | - | Prohibited when a nuisance |
| Base fine | - | 100 dollars plus abatement |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Lowell FAQ
Can I feed ducks at the river?
Occasional small feeding is not prohibited, but bread is unhealthy and large-scale feeding can draw citations from the Parks Department.
What about stray cats?
Cat colony feeding is unregulated but can be cited if it creates a rodent or sanitation problem.
Somerville FAQ
Can I keep bird feeders?
Yes, but if they attract rats or cause property damage, the Board of Health can order removal under Somerville's rodent control rules.
Are coyotes a concern?
Coyotes are present in greater Boston; MassWildlife advises against any intentional feeding to keep them wary of humans.
Compare other topics
See how Lowell and Somerville compare on other ordinance categories.
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