Wildlife Feeding: Mount Vernon vs White Plains
How do wildlife feeding rules compare between Mount Vernon, NY and White Plains, NY?
Mount Vernon and White Plains have similar restriction levels.
Mount Vernon, NY
Westchester County
Feeding wildlife such as deer, raccoons, or pigeons that creates a nuisance is prohibited under Mount Vernon's property maintenance and nuisance ordinances.
View full Mount Vernon rules βWhite Plains, NY
Westchester County
Feeding deer, bears, and other wildlife discouraged and may violate NY DEC regulations. White Plains prohibits feeding that creates nuisance or attracts rodents/pests.
View full White Plains rules βKey Facts Comparison
| Fact | Mount Vernon | White Plains |
|---|---|---|
| Rodent Attraction | Prohibited | - |
| Deer Feeding | Restricted by NY ECL | Banned by DEC |
| Bird Feeders | Allowed if maintained | Allowed if maintained |
| Feral Cat Colonies | May need approval | - |
| Bear Feeding | - | Banned by DEC |
| Rodent Attractant | - | Prohibited |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Mount Vernon FAQ
Can I feed stray cats or birds in my Mount Vernon yard?
Bird feeders are fine if kept clean. Feeding stray cats or wildlife that creates rodent issues violates the property maintenance code.
Is deer feeding illegal in Mount Vernon?
Yes, in most contexts. NY Environmental Conservation Law restricts deer feeding statewide to limit chronic wasting disease and nuisance damage.
Who do I call about a feral cat colony in Mount Vernon?
Start with the Mount Vernon health or property maintenance office. Managed colonies may need approval and Trap-Neuter-Return coordination to avoid citation.
White Plains FAQ
Can I feed deer in my White Plains yard?
No. NY DEC regulation 6 NYCRR Β§189 prohibits feeding deer statewide to prevent disease transmission and nuisance concentrations.
Are bird feeders legal in White Plains?
Yes, if they're maintained and don't attract rats or other rodents. Feeders that create a rodent nuisance can be ordered removed.
Is it illegal to feed bears in Westchester?
Yes. NY DEC prohibits feeding black bears statewide, and White Plains property maintenance code bars any feeding that creates a wildlife nuisance.
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