Wildlife Feeding: Menifee vs Palm Springs
How do wildlife feeding rules compare between Menifee, CA and Palm Springs, CA?
Menifee has fewer restrictions than Palm Springs.
Menifee, CA
Riverside County
Menifee does not publish a dedicated wildlife-feeding ordinance; the city defers to California Fish & Game Code §251.1, which prohibits harassment of wildlife, and CCR Title 14 §251.3, which prohibits intentional feeding of big game mammals (deer, elk, antelope, bear, wild pig, mountain lion). General nuisance provisions in Title 11 apply if feeding creates rodent, coyote, or sanitation problems. Riverside County's Inland Empire setting includes mountain lions, coyotes, bobcats, and mule deer in the surrounding hills.
View full Menifee rules →Palm Springs, CA
Riverside County
Palm Springs prohibits feeding coyotes, bobcats, mountain lions, bighorn sheep, and other wildlife descending from the San Jacinto and Santa Rosa Mountains. Palm Springs Municipal Code Chapter 10.80 and California Fish and Game Code §§251.1 and 4181 make intentional feeding of large wildlife unlawful. Violations carry fines and the critical safety risk of habituated predators in residential neighborhoods.
View full Palm Springs rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Menifee | Palm Springs |
|---|---|---|
| Big game feeding ban | CCR Title 14 §251.3 — statewide prohibition | - |
| Covered species | Deer, elk, antelope, mountain lion, bear, wild pig | - |
| Local rule | No standalone Menifee ordinance — state law and general nuisance apply | - |
| Nuisance authority | Menifee Municipal Code Title 11 | - |
| Enforcement | CDFW (wildlife) / Menifee Code Enforcement (nuisance) | - |
| - | - |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Menifee FAQ
Is it illegal to feed deer in Menifee?
Yes — under CCR Title 14 §251.3 it is unlawful to intentionally feed deer, elk, bear, mountain lion, or wild pig anywhere in California, including Menifee.
Can I feed birds in my yard?
Yes, songbird feeding is generally permitted, but feeders that attract rodents or large numbers of pigeons may be cited as a nuisance under Title 11.
What about feeding coyotes?
Not specifically banned by state statute, but strongly discouraged by CDFW. Feeding that habituates coyotes can be cited as a nuisance and creates public-safety risk.
Who do I call about a mountain lion sighting?
California Department of Fish and Wildlife (Inland Deserts Region) or 911 for immediate safety threats.
Palm Springs FAQ
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