Wildlife Feeding: Newport Beach vs Santa Ana
How do wildlife feeding rules compare between Newport Beach, CA and Santa Ana, CA?
Santa Ana has fewer restrictions than Newport Beach.
Newport Beach, CA
Orange County
Newport Beach strictly prohibits feeding wildlife including coyotes, waterfowl, pigeons, and other wild animals on public or private property. The ban protects coastal habitats and reduces human-wildlife conflicts in neighborhoods adjacent to Upper Newport Bay and other natural areas throughout the city.
View full Newport Beach 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 | Newport Beach | Santa Ana |
|---|---|---|
| Feeding Ban | All wildlife on public/private land | - |
| Code Section | NBMC 7.04.060 | - |
| First Offense | $100 fine | - |
| Enforcement | Animal Control and Code Enforcement | - |
| 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.
Newport Beach FAQ
Can I feed ducks at the Newport Beach harbor or Back Bay?
No. Newport Beach prohibits feeding all wildlife including ducks, geese, and other waterfowl on all public and private property. The ban applies to parks, beaches, harbor areas, and the Back Bay nature preserve.
What should I do about coyotes in my Newport Beach neighborhood?
Do not feed or approach coyotes. Secure trash cans, remove pet food and fallen fruit from outdoors, and report aggressive coyote behavior to Animal Control at (949) 644-3717.
Are there exceptions for bird feeders on private property?
Small songbird feeders on private property are generally tolerated but feeding larger wildlife like coyotes, pigeons, or waterfowl remains prohibited. If feeders attract nuisance wildlife, code enforcement may require removal.
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.
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