Mission Viejo vs Santa Ana
How do wildlife feeding rules compare between Mission Viejo, CA and Santa Ana, CA?
Mission Viejo and Santa Ana have similar restriction levels.
Mission Viejo, CA
Orange County
California Fish and Game Code Section 251.1 prohibits feeding wildlife as a form of harassment. While unincorporated Orange County does not have a standalone wildlife feeding ordinance, feeding coyotes and other predators may violate state law and OCCO animal nuisance provisions.
View full Mission Viejo rules →Santa Ana, CA
Orange County
Santa Ana discourages the feeding of wildlife including coyotes, pigeons, and other non-domestic animals on public and private property. Feeding wildlife that creates a nuisance or attracts vermin is enforceable under SAMC nuisance abatement provisions in Chapter 18 (Health and Sanitation).
View full Santa Ana rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Mission Viejo | Santa Ana |
|---|---|---|
| State Law | Fish & Game Code §251.1 | - |
| County Ban | No standalone ordinance | - |
| State Prohibition | Feeding = harassment | - |
| Report Issues | OC Animal Care | - |
| Coyote Feeding | - | Prohibited (state law) |
| Pigeon Feeding | - | Enforceable as nuisance |
| State Code | - | Fish & Game Code §251.1 |
| City Code | - | SAMC Ch. 18 nuisance provisions |
| Fine (Coyotes) | - | Up to $1,000 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Mission Viejo FAQ
Is it illegal to feed wildlife in unincorporated Orange County?
Yes, under state law. California Fish and Game Code Section 251.1 prohibits feeding wildlife as a form of harassment. While the county lacks a standalone ordinance, the state law applies throughout unincorporated areas.
Who do I contact about wildlife feeding issues in unincorporated OC?
Contact OC Animal Care for domestic animal issues or the OC Agricultural Commissioner at (714) 955-0100 for wildlife on county property. For ongoing nuisance issues, call Neighborhood Preservation at 714-667-8853.
Santa Ana FAQ
Is it illegal to feed coyotes in Santa Ana?
Yes. Under California Fish and Game Code Section 251.1, feeding coyotes is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine up to $1,000.
Can I feed birds in my yard in Santa Ana?
Feeding songbirds is generally not prohibited, but feeding pigeons or other pest birds that creates a nuisance condition for neighbors may trigger code enforcement action under SAMC Chapter 18.
Compare other topics
See how Mission Viejo and Santa Ana compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool