Wildlife Feeding: Lowell vs Waltham
How do wildlife feeding rules compare between Lowell, MA and Waltham, MA?
Lowell and Waltham 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 →Waltham, MA
Middlesex County
Waltham discourages wildlife feeding to prevent conflicts with bears, coyotes, and turkeys increasingly seen near Prospect Hill and the Cambridge Reservoir.
View full Waltham rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Lowell | Waltham |
|---|---|---|
| Bear feeding | Prohibited by MassWildlife | - |
| Coyotes | Feeding creates nuisance liability | - |
| Bird feeders | Allowed if maintained | - |
| Waterfowl | Discouraged; water-quality concern | - |
| Fine range | 50 to 300 dollars | - |
| State Rule | - | 321 CMR 2.14 |
| Bear Feeding | - | Prohibited statewide |
| Coyote Hotspots | - | Prospect Hill, Charles River |
| Bird Feeders | - | Allowed generally |
| Enforcement | - | MassWildlife + local |
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.
Waltham FAQ
Can I feed backyard deer?
Intentional deer feeding is discouraged and can trigger state cessation orders.
Are bird feeders OK?
Yes, but must be managed if they attract bears or rats.
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